The Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rec. Mark M. Nzukwein, has expressed deep concern over what he termed a “disturbing silence” surrounding renewed violent attacks in Southern Taraba, where dozens have been killed and thousands displaced in recent weeks.
The bishop spoke on Saturday in Jalingo during a thanksgiving Mass for the newly inaugurated leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, which coincided with the 50th birthday and book launch of the CAN chairman, Rev. Fr. Williams Awoshiri.
Nzukwein revealed that at least 70 people have been killed in Ussa local government council and Chanchanji ward of Takum LGA while over 1,000 houses have been destroyed and more than 1,000 families displaced in what he described as coordinated attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen. He further disclosed that the Catholic Church had recorded the displacement of more than 340 communities within the last two months.
Describing Taraba as “a state at a crossroads of confused identity and ethnic divisions,” the bishop urged the newly inaugurated CAN leadership to actively engage Christian political office holders and the wider public in promoting peace, unity, and development.
Although CAN does not build physical infrastructure, he said, it “must guide, influence and demand accountability,” stressing that the Christian body has a moral responsibility to address rising insecurity and injustice.
Nzukwein criticised both state and federal governments for what he called a slow and inadequate response to the worsening security situation in the southern zone. He called for immediate intervention, improved humanitarian assistance for displaced families, and urgent repairs to the Namnai bridge, which he said has made travel unsafe and worsened the suffering of commuters.
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He also accused political leaders of neglecting vital infrastructure, saying it was “scandalous that government spends billions on political activities yet leaves citizens to die on unsafe roads.”
The bishop further warned against rising hostility toward Christian identity in the state and urged CAN to remain vocal against violence and injustice.
“This must not continue. We must protect peace, unity, and the development of the people and their faith,” he said.
Former governor Jolly Nyame, who also spoke at the event, commended the CAN chairman’s leadership qualities and encouraged him to strengthen trust among Christian leaders.
The Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Gebon T. Kataps, assured that the government would continue to support CAN and other religious bodies in promoting peace and coexistence.
In his remarks, CAN chairman Rev.Fr. Awoshiri thanked the gathering for their support and pledged to prioritise unity within the Christian community, deepen interfaith relations, and maintain strong collaboration across CAN structures.
