Taraba Communities Under Siege as Renewed Herders’ Attacks Displace Hundreds — Catholic Parish Cries Out

The Holy Family Catholic Parish, Takum, has raised alarm over renewed attacks by suspected herders on several communities in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, resulting in widespread destruction of farmlands and mass displacement of residents.

In a statement issued in Jalingo, the parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. George Dogo, described the situation as “disturbing and devastating,” calling for urgent intervention from the government and security agencies to prevent further violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

According to the parish, the crisis began on September 19, 2025, after an attack on security operatives in Aye Twar, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, which later spread to border communities in Takum. Armed herders reportedly invaded farmlands and settlements, destroying crops and displacing residents across several villages including Dogon Gawa, Tor Gbenger, Jenuwa Nyifiye, Jenuwa Gaba, Jenuwa Gida, Jenuwa Ruwa, Jenuwa Nytsu, Kwari, and Ribasi.

The church further reported that two people were critically injured in Asuku and Mbakyula villages, while about 150 residents were displaced. Another 200 people fled Imbor, Mbaaga, Chakera, Hoyo, Mbayatsav, Genda, and Ikyor after their farms were destroyed. Villages such as Tor-Lijam, Akaajo, Abunde, Akase, Ikyo-Dam, and Iortev were completely deserted, leaving about 560 people displaced. In Ikper, Kur-Hindi, Wombo, Kwaghcia, and Angahar, another 500 residents lost their homes and farmlands, while Tarhembe and Tornyi villages saw all farms burnt, with one person critically injured and over 400 displaced.

Fr. Dogo noted that many of the displaced are currently seeking refuge in parts of Takum town, including Mammy and High Level areas, as well as in Dogon Gawa, Manya, Sufa, Tor Donga, and Gbise. He appealed to the Taraba State Government, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to act swiftly to restore peace and provide relief materials to victims. Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said he had not yet received official reports on the attacks but promised to investigate the situation.