Report corruption: 08004332277
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Buruku Local Government Area in Nigeria lies the Tsiee community, a place once known for its tranquil existence and warm hospitality. But in recent years, a dark cloud has loomed over Tsiee, casting a pall of fear and uncertainty over its inhabitants.
The once peaceful community has become a battleground disrupted by conflicts leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake. Terese Torkor, a resident of Tsiee, bears the grim scars of this violence. Recounting his harrowing ordeal, Terese narrates how he was ambushed by herdsmen, his fingers severed in a vicious attack.
Terese’s story is not an isolated one. Countless others in Tsiee have suffered similar atrocities, their bodies bearing the marks of brutality. Homes have been reduced to ashes, farmlands ravaged, and livestock stolen, leaving the community teetering on the brink of collapse.
The physical wounds inflicted by the herdsmen are compounded by the emotional trauma that has gripped the community. Fear has become a constant companion, casting a shadow over every aspect of life. The once vibrant community spirit has been replaced by a palpable sense of dread.
As if the threat of violence weren’t enough, the community has also been grappling with the devastating effects of recurrent floods. The once fertile lands are now inundated, destroying crops and homes, and leaving the villagers with little means of sustenance. Terese’s voice cracks with emotion as he describes the plight of his community. “We have begged for clothes to wear, for food to eat, for a place to sleep,” he laments. “But there is no respite, no escape from the misery that engulfs us.”
The story of Tsiee is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human cost of conflict and environmental degradation. It is a stark call to action, urging us to address the root causes of violence and climate change that threaten communities like Tsiee worldwide, illuminating the urgent need for sustainable solutions that protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. Let us work together to create a world where peace and harmony prevail.
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resources Centre) is a non-governmental organisation and non-partisan human rights and development league.