The Holy Family Catholic Parish, Takum, Taraba State, has raised the alarm over renewed attacks by suspected herders on several communities in Takum Local Government Area, resulting in widespread destruction of farmlands and the displacement of hundreds of residents.
The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. George Dogo, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo, describing the situation as “disturbing and devastating,” while calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further bloodshed and humanitarian crisis.
According to the statement, the violence began on September 19, 2025, following an attack on security personnel in Aye Twar, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of neighbouring Benue State. The crisis reportedly spilled into border communities in Takum, where armed herders allegedly invaded farmlands and settlements.
Fr. Dogo said 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 destroyed.
In Asuku and Mbakyula villages, two people were reportedly injured, while about 150 residents were displaced. Another 200 persons were said to have fled from Imbor, Mbaaga, Chakera, Hoyo, Mbayatsav, Genda, and Ikyor communities after their farms were razed.
Similarly, the parish reported that Tor-Lijam, Akaajo, Abunde, Akase, Ikyo-Dam, and Iortev villages were completely deserted, with about 560 people displaced. In Ikper, Kur-Hindi, Wombo, Kwaghcia, and Angahar villages, another 500 people were forced to flee after their farmlands were set ablaze.
The attacks also extended to Muji I, Muji II, Kwariben, Nzuwaya, and Tudun Haske, where vast farmlands were destroyed. In Tarhembe and Tornyi villages, all farmlands were reportedly burnt, leaving one person critically injured and receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Takum. About 402 residents from the two villages were displaced.
Fr. Dogo further revealed that many of the displaced persons are currently taking refuge in Mammy and High Level areas of Takum town, as well as in Dogon Gawa, Manya, Sufa, Tor Donga, and Gbise.
“Our people are suffering. Hundreds have been displaced, farmlands destroyed, and livelihoods ruined,” Fr. Dogo lamented. “We appeal to the government to take swift action before the situation worsens.”
He urged the Taraba State Government, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to urgently restore peace, enhance security in affected areas, and provide relief materials to victims.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Taraba State, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said he had not yet been briefed on the development but promised to make enquiries and respond accordingly. As of the time of filing this report, no further update had been provided.
