Catholic Church Cries Out Over Renewed Herdsmen Attacks In Taraba Communities As Hundreds Are Displaced
October 27, 2025
News
Renewed Herders’ Attacks Displace Hundreds in Takum, Taraba State — Catholic Church Raises Alarm
The Holy Family Catholic Parish, Takum, Taraba State, has sounded the alarm over renewed attacks by suspected herders on several communities in Takum Local Government Area, resulting in 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 on Monday, describing the situation as “disturbing and devastating.” He called on the government to intervene urgently to prevent further bloodshed and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
“Our people are suffering. Hundreds have been displaced, farmlands destroyed, and livelihoods ruined. We appeal to the government to take swift action before the situation worsens,” Fr. Dogo said.
According to the statement, the crisis began 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 spread into border communities in Takum, where armed herders allegedly invaded farmlands and settlements.
Affected communities include Dogon Gawa, Tor Gbenger, Jenuwa Nyifiye, Jenuwa Gaba, Jenuwa Gida, Jenuwa Ruwa, Jenuwa Nytsu, Kwari, and Ribasi — where farmlands of all kinds were destroyed.
In Asuku and Mbakyula villages, two people were critically injured, while about 150 residents were displaced. Another 200 people reportedly fled from Imbor, Mbaaga, Chakera, Hoyo, Mbayatsav, Genda, and Ikyor after their farms were set ablaze.
The church further reported that Tor-Lijam, Akaajo, Abunde, Akase, Ikyo-Dam, and Iortev villages were completely deserted, with over 560 people displaced. Similarly, in Ikper, Kur-Hindi, Wombo, Kwaghcia, and Angahar, another 500 residents lost their homes and farmlands to the violence.
The attacks also extended to Muji I, Muji II, Kwariben, Nzuwaya, and Tudun Haske, where vast stretches of farmland were destroyed. In Tarhembe and Tornyi villages, all farmlands were reportedly burnt, leaving one person critically injured and over 400 residents displaced.
Fr. Dogo noted that many displaced persons are now taking refuge in Mammy and High Level areas of Takum town, as well as in Dogon Gawa, Manya, Sufa, Tor Donga, and Gbise. He appealed to the Taraba State government, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to restore security and provide relief materials for the victims.
When contacted, the Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said he had just assumed office and was yet to be briefed on the situation in the affected communities.
The renewed attacks come amid ongoing violence across Nigeria’s northern and Middle Belt regions, where armed herders, jihadist groups, and bandits have repeatedly targeted predominantly Christian farming communities.
Human rights organisations, including the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), have reported that thousands of Christians have been killed and hundreds of churches destroyed across Taraba, Benue, Plateau, and southern Kaduna over the past decade.
Many of these attacks have been linked to disputes over land, grazing routes, and deep-seated ethno-religious tensions. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, thousands of civilians were killed in coordinated assaults across Benue and Plateau States, with survivors accusing herder militias of acting with impunity.
Faith-based groups, including the Catholic Church, have repeatedly urged federal and state authorities to strengthen protection for rural communities and address the growing humanitarian crisis.
Fr. Dogo’s appeal underscores growing fears that the latest wave of violence in Taraba could further deepen insecurity and displacement across Nigeria’s conflict-ridden Middle Belt.
As of press time, the Taraba State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.