Panic in Taraba community over reported imminent herders’ attack

Residents of Chanchanji community in Takum local government council of Taraba State, are living in fear following reports that suspected armed herders have infiltrated the area with plans to launch coordinated attacks.

Community members, Terkula Yooso and Philip Abur, raised the alarm in separate interviews, alleging that the militants were sighted entering Chanchanji Ward from neighbouring Donga Local Government Area.

According to them, local intelligence indicates that the group is plotting simultaneous assaults on Peva-Chanchanji and Kufai Ahmadu towns, both in Chanchanji Ward.

Yooso said the development has sparked panic among residents due to the community’s history of violent attacks.

“These same militants have attacked nearby villages several times, displacing thousands of people,” he said. “Many of our people are already taking refuge in Peva and Amadu towns. We can’t go through this again.”

Abur also confirmed the movement of the suspected attackers and appealed for urgent security intervention.

“We don’t want another tragedy. The signs are clear. The government must act now before it’s too late,” he urged.

The latest alarm follows a recent warning from Rev. Fr. George Dogo, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Takum, who decried renewed herders’ attacks on communities across Takum, leading to destruction of farmlands and mass displacement.

The Church had cautioned that the recurring violence pointed to a deepening security crisis in the area.

Several residents who spoke to our reporter, called for immediate deployment of security forces, lamenting that the community remains highly vulnerable due to repeated raids and slow government response.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Ishaku, said he had just received the report and would investigate the claims.

He was, however, yet to provide further details as of the time of filing this report.