Taraba Communities Under Siege: Catholic Parish Raises Alarm Over Renewed Herdsmen Attacks, Mass Displacement

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

In a statement issued in Jalingo on Monday, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. George Dogo, described the situation as “disturbing and devastating,” calling for immediate government intervention to prevent further bloodshed and a looming humanitarian disaster.

According to the statement, the crisis began on September 19, 2025, after an attack on security operatives in Aye Twar, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of neighbouring Benue State. The violence reportedly spilled into border communities in Takum, where armed herders invaded farmlands and settlements, wreaking havoc.

Communities affected include Dogon Gawa, Tor Gbenger, Jenuwa Nyifiye, Jenuwa Gaba, Jenuwa Gida, Jenuwa Ruwa, Jenuwa Nytsu, Kwari, and Ribasi, where “all kinds of farms” were reportedly destroyed. In Asuku and Mbakyula, two people were critically injured, while about 150 residents were displaced. Another 200 residents fled Imbor, Mbaaga, Chakera, Hoyo, Mbayatsav, Genda, and Ikyor after their farms were razed.

Similarly, the parish reported that Tor-Lijam, Akaajo, Abunde, Akase, Ikyo-Dam, and Iortev villages were completely deserted, with about 560 people displaced. In Ikper, Kur-Hindi, Wombo, Kwaghcia, and Angahar villages, another 500 residents were forced to flee after their farms were destroyed.

The violence also extended to Muji I, Muji II, Kwariben, Nzuwaya, and Tudun Haske, where farmlands were razed. In Tarhembe and Tornyi villages, all farms were burnt, leaving one person critically injured and over 400 residents displaced. Many of the displaced persons are reportedly taking refuge in Mammy and High Level areas of Takum town, as well as in Dogon Gawa, Manya, Sufa, Tor Donga, and Gbise.

Fr. Dogo appealed to the Taraba State Government, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to act swiftly, restore peace, and provide relief materials to affected families. “Our people are suffering. Hundreds have been displaced, farmlands destroyed, and livelihoods ruined. We appeal to the government to take swift action before the situation worsens,” he said.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said he had just assumed duty as the PPRO and had not yet been briefed on the situation but promised to investigate and revert. He was yet to provide an update as of the time of filing this report.