Coordinated attacks rock Tiv communities in Taraba, dozens feared dead, Churches razed

By Johnson Arua

Fresh violence erupted in Chanchanji Ward, the largest political ward in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, following coordinated attacks on Tiv communities.

The worst-hit area is Mbajir community, where several civilians were reportedly killed in assaults allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen militias.

Although the exact number of casualties remains unclear as of press time, sources within the affected communities described the attacks as widespread and devastating.

In addition to the reported loss of lives, several places of worship were allegedly targeted and set ablaze, heightening fears among residents and triggering fresh displacement across the ward.

Churches confirmed to have been burnt or destroyed include Living Faith Church, Barki; NKST Church, Tsehe; Roman Catholic Church, Ikyaaior (Mbajir); St. Paul Parish, Adu; St. James Catholic Church, Mbateto; Living Faith Church, Tyobaa; Living Faith Church, Ayiase; Roman Catholic Church, Atsanger; Roman Catholic Church, Chanwa; NKST Church, Ayu; Holy Ghost Church, Abong; and Assembly of God Church, Tse Aleva.

Community leaders have condemned the attacks, describing them as a direct assault on civilian life, religious freedom and the identity of indigenous communities in the area.

They warned that the pattern of violence appears calculated to instill fear and force residents to flee their ancestral homes.

Reacting to the development, President of the STYCOP Peace Project, Amb. Rikwense Muri, called on the Federal Government, the Taraba State Government, security agencies, and emergency response bodies to urgently intervene.

He urged authorities to deploy adequate security personnel to protect vulnerable communities, provide immediate humanitarian assistance to displaced and affected persons, and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are identified and brought to justice.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies in the state regarding the incident.