Fresh communal violence has broken out in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, following a clash between Tiv farmers and Fulani herders over access to a shared water source, leaving several people injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

The conflict, which erupted at a pond located between Tor Bali and Atongo villages, has heightened tensions across the region. Both communities reportedly depend on the pond for their daily water needs.

According to local authorities, violence began when a Tiv woman fetching water confronted some herders who had brought their cattle to drink from and allegedly pollute the shared pond. She was reportedly assaulted after raising objections, an incident that quickly escalated into a broader clash.

Confirming the report, the Council Chairman, Aboki Dauda explained that the altercation sparked outrage in the woman's community, leading to a wider clash.

 “What happened here was terrible. Houses were burnt and people displaced, but thank God no lives were lost,” Dauda stated.

“The herders brought their cattle to the pond and polluted the water. When a woman tried to stop them, they attacked her. Her cries for help brought others to the scene, and that’s how the crisis started.”

Dauda further disclosed that the herders’ leadership has been summoned, and the council has issued a stern warning to prevent any recurrence:

 “We have identified those responsible. We made it clear to the herders’ leadership that any repeat of this attack will not be tolerated.”

One of the victims, Ezekiel Gboo, a farmer from Tor Bali, recounted his ordeal, “We were on the farm when they suddenly came from all directions with sticks and machetes. I tried to run and call for help, but they caught me. About 30 of them beat me with sticks and cutlasses. I was lucky to survive.”

In response to the violence, the Taraba State Government dispatched a high-powered delegation led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Saviour Noku, to assess the damage, mediate peace, and distribute relief materials to displaced residents.

“Let’s try to live in peace with our neighbours. It is always cheaper to prevent crises than to react to them. What we have brought today is just temporary relief. We will continue to support your return and resettlement.”

This incident adds to the growing list of farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where competition over land and water resources is frequently a source of deadly conflict. Analysts warn that climate change, population pressure, and the absence of robust conflict resolution mechanisms continue to fuel these recurring tensions.