Church decries killer herders’ havoc in Taraba communities

Taraba map

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

The parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. George Dogo, disclosed this in a statement released to journalists in Jalingo, where he described the situation as “disturbing and devastating,” calling for urgent government’s intervention to avert further bloodshed and humanitarian crisis.

According to the statement, the crisis erupted on September 19, 2025, following an attack on security personnel in Aye Twar, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of neighbouring Benue State.

The violence reportedly spilled over into border communities in Takum, where armed herders allegedly invaded farmlands and settlements.

The affected areas include Dogon Gawa, Tor Gbenger, Jenuwa Nyifiye, Jenuwa Gaba, Jenuwa Gida, Jenuwa Ruwa, Jenuwa Nytsu, Kwari, and Ribasi — where “farms of all kinds” were reportedly destroyed.

In Asuku and Mbakyula villages, the church reported that two people were critically injured, while about 150 residents were displaced. Another 200 people were said to have fled from Imbor, Mbaaga, Chakera, Hoyo, Mbayatsav, Genda, and Ikyor communities after their farms were destroyed.

Similarly, the parish disclosed that Tor-Lijam, Akaajo, Abunde, Akase, Ikyo-Dam, and Iortev villages were completely deserted following the invasion, with about 560 people displaced. In Ikper, Kur-Hindi, Wombo, Kwaghcia, and Angahar villages, another 500 people were reportedly displaced after their farms were razed. Punch