Over 1,000 families displaced as armed herdsmen occupy farms, settlements in Taraba – Report

Catholic priests and community groups in Southern Taraba State have raised alarm over renewed waves of violence allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen across communities under the Catholic Diocese of Wukari.

Speaking on Monday in Jalingo, the Director of Social Communications for the diocese, Rev. Fr. John Laikel, described the situation as “devastating,” revealing that many rural parishes have been abandoned following sustained assaults that claimed multiple lives and destroyed entire villages.

His words: “It is disheartening that attacks on innocent citizens keep happening despite government promises to stop the killings.

“The pattern of attacks in Southern Taraba shows a deliberate and calculated attempt by Fulani herdsmen to permanently take over these communities for grazing. Most victims are returnees who had only recently resettled after earlier displacements.”

He alleged that the attackers not only kill and burn homes but also graze their cattle on victims’ farmlands and, in some cases, occupy deserted settlements.

Fr. Laikel called on federal, state, and local authorities to “wake up to their constitutional responsibilities” of protecting lives and property, noting that some of the affected areas lie close to military operational bases in Takum Local Government Area.

“This raises serious concern about the willingness and capability of security agencies to stop the ongoing carnage,” he added.

Similarly, Rev. Fr. George Dogo, Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Takum, lamented what he described as the “indifference” of security operatives despite repeated warnings about impending attacks.

He said: “When we alert security agencies, they often complain about a lack of personnel or fuel.

“Meanwhile, innocent people are being killed daily, villages are burned, and survivors are left with horrific injuries. It’s heartbreaking to see such disregard for human life.”

In a related development, the Taraba Tiv Youth Development Forum urged Governor Agbu Kefas to deploy additional security personnel to Chanchanji Ward of Takum LGA to prevent further bloodshed.

In a joint statement signed by the forum’s President, Torkuma Lupet Moses, and Secretary, Uko Moses Wuaga, the group condemned the renewed attacks on Tiv farming communities, reporting that over 1,000 families have been displaced and properties worth millions of naira destroyed since violence resumed last week.

The forum called on the state government to establish additional military outposts in the affected areas and provide emergency relief materials, including food, medical supplies, and shelter, to displaced residents.