Catholic priests, joined by other religious leaders and members of the faithful from the dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo, on Thursday held a peaceful protest in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, over the continued killings of peasant farmers in Takum, Donga and Ussa Local Government Areas.
The demonstration, described by organisers as a “solidarity walk,” featured participants carrying placards with various messages condemning what they perceived as inadequate response by relevant authorities to the recurring violence in the affected communities.
The protest sought to draw attention to repeated attacks in Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area, said to be the epicentre of the recent violence. Church representatives claimed that more than 80 people have lost their lives in the past three months, with thousands displaced and homes destroyed.
Speaking to journalists after the procession, the Vicar Pastoral of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Very Rev. Fr. James Yaro, said the attacks had led to the destruction of over 200 churches and communities. He described the situation as a violation of residents’ constitutional right to freedom of worship.
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Fr. Yaro stated that the crisis, which he said began in September 2025, has displaced more than 90,000 Catholics across the region. He alleged that suspected Fulani militia were responsible for the assaults, claiming that the attackers often strike in the early hours, killing residents and burning homes and farmlands.
He further alleged that the assailants had taken control of farmlands, prevented displaced persons from harvesting crops, and attacked women attempting to access their farms. According to him, roads have also been blocked, while crops from deserted communities are allegedly being harvested to feed livestock.
Describing the development as an “existential threat,” the cleric said the violence has not only resulted in significant loss of lives and property but has also disrupted religious activities and infrastructural development in the affected areas.
While acknowledging efforts by the Taraba State Government and security agencies to tackle insecurity in other parts of the state, Fr. Yaro called for immediate and decisive intervention in Chanchanji Ward and other troubled communities in Takum, Ussa and Donga.
He urged authorities to deploy adequate security personnel and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are apprehended and prosecuted, regardless of ethnic, political or religious affiliations.
The cleric also appealed for urgent humanitarian support for internally displaced persons, listing food supplies, bedding, medical assistance, toiletries and temporary shelter as critical needs.
Fr. Yaro further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies and political office holders to engage in genuine dialogue aimed at restoring lasting peace in southern Taraba.
Despite the challenges, he assured that the church would continue to offer prayers and spiritual support to the government and security agencies in their efforts to restore stability in the state.
