Christian leaders in Taraba State have raised fresh alarm over escalating violence in parts of the state, calling for urgent government intervention to halt what they describe as a worsening security and humanitarian crisis.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCREL), and the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) have all condemned the recent killings in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas, insisting that authorities must act decisively to protect lives and property.
Fresh Casualties, Church Closures
According to CAN, at least 25 people were killed within two days in coordinated attacks across several communities in Takum and Donga LGAs. Church leaders said 11 people were killed on Sunday, while 14 others died in renewed assaults on Tuesday.
Communities including Adu, Aga, Mbaiyerikyaior, Tse-Nev, Facii, Demevaa and Igbum were reportedly affected.
Beyond the fatalities, CAN disclosed that no fewer than 103 churches across the two councils have been shut down due to insecurity. The association said the violence, which began in September, has displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, many of them farmers who have fled to safer areas such as Peva and Amadu in Takum LGA.
While commending the Taraba State Government for initially deploying security personnel to troubled areas, CAN expressed concern that the presence was short-lived. The group called for expanded and sustained deployment of security forces to enable displaced residents return home.
It warned that failure to act promptly could trigger peaceful protests to draw wider attention to the crisis.
NOCREL Alleges Targeted Attacks
NOCREL, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Dr. Micah Philip Dopah, alleged that more than 100 Tiv Christians were killed between January 2 and February 3, 2026, in attacks it described as targeted and coordinated.
The group claimed that several communities and churches were attacked during the period, leaving dozens injured and many homes destroyed. It called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible, warning that perceived inaction could embolden perpetrators.
‘Humanitarian and Security Failure’
Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rev. Emmanuel Ande, described the situation as a “deep humanitarian, moral and security failure.”
He said prolonged violence has displaced numerous farming communities since 2019, affecting food production and worsening social tensions. According to him, insecurity has eroded trust among communities and undermined livelihoods.
Bishop Ande urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and adopt inclusive policies that address ethnic and religious divisions. He also called on religious and traditional leaders to promote dialogue and reject hate speech.
Despite the concerns, he commended Governor Agbu Kefas for recent peace-building efforts, including reopening a church previously shut due to crisis.
Calls for Decisive Action
Religious leaders across denominations agree that Taraba is at a critical point, stressing that continued violence risks reversing security gains and deepening displacement.
They are urging authorities to combine enhanced security operations with reconciliation initiatives and long-term social policies to restore stability.
“The killings must end,” church leaders insisted, as communities in Southern Taraba continue to grapple with loss and uncertainty.