Insecurity: This must stop now – CAN, NOCREL, others raise alarm over Taraba killings
Taraba State Faces Growing Crisis Amid Rising Violence
Taraba State, often referred to as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” is currently experiencing escalating violence that is affecting both its farming communities and places of worship. Church leaders across the Takum and Donga local government areas are raising alarms over a pattern of attacks, urging immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Northern Christians Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCREL), and the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) are united in their calls for protective measures. They assert that the killings must cease and urge the state government to take decisive action.
In the latest incidents of violence, at least 25 people were killed within a 48-hour period in the Takum and Donga councils, as reported by CAN. Local sources confirm that 11 individuals were killed during coordinated attacks on Sunday, followed by the deaths of 14 more people in subsequent assaults on Tuesday. The affected communities, including Adu, Aga, Mbaiyerikyaior, Tse-Nev, Facii, Demevaa, and Igbum, now bear the marks of grief and uncertainty.
Beyond the fatalities, church leaders report that violence has led to the closure of 103 churches across Donga and Takum due to safety concerns. For many rural residents, these churches serve as not only places of worship but also educational and social support centers. Their closure reflects deeper societal impacts, signifying a state of fear and disrupted community life.
Since violence erupted in September, hundreds of thousands have been displaced, primarily affecting Christian farmers who have sought refuge in Peva and Amadu towns within Takum LGA. While CAN commended the early deployment of security forces to Amadu, they expressed disappointment that this effort was short-lived.
“We call for urgent and expanded deployment of security forces to end the cycle of killings and allow people to return home,” the association stated. They caution that if the violence continues unchecked, they may organize peaceful protests to draw national and international attention to the crisis.
NOCREL has further highlighted the severity of the situation in the Chanchanji District, noting that between January 2 and February 3, 2026, at least 102 Tiv Christians were killed and over 31 injured during a series of attacks. The group characterized these acts as “continuous, horrific, and targeted,” alleging that attacks were specifically aimed at Tiv communities and NKST churches.
After consulting with Tiv leaders and affected pastors, NOCREL indicated frustration with security agencies’ perceived inadequacies in protecting these communities. “This violent criminality against the Tiv people is unacceptable,” they stated, demanding that authorities take immediate action to arrest those responsible.
Echoing these concerns, Rev. Emmanuel Ande, Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria, described the situation as a “deep humanitarian, moral, and security failure.” He noted that since 2019, over 1,000 farming communities in Taraba have been displaced, with killings on the rise. Bishop Ande called for improved intelligence, equitable government policies, and inclusive leadership to address the underlying ethnic and religious tensions.
He further warned that the displacement of farming communities has significantly decreased agricultural productivity, with food insecurity emerging as a critical issue. The erosion of social trust, marked by fear and suspicion, complicates efforts towards reconciliation and community cohesion.
Bishop Ande raised alarms about rising substance abuse, particularly among youth, and called for collaboration between churches and the government to promote moral guidance and preventative education. He acknowledged Governor Agbu Kefas’s recent decision to reopen a church that had been closed for years due to violence, calling it a constructive step toward peace.
As Taraba State confronts this pressing crisis, religious leaders emphasize their commitment to peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life. However, communities continue to mourn their losses while seeking safety. Church leaders maintain that the progress made by the current administration in securing the region must not be undermined by ongoing violence.
