By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Taraba State Chapter has strongly condemned the renewed wave of violent attacks oîn communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State, which have claimed the lives of at least 25 persons within two days.
A statement by the state CAN chairman, Rev Fr Williams Awoshiri on Friday noted that the attacks have led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Christian farmers who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Peva and Amadu towns of Takum LGA.
“Local residents and church leaders confirmed that 11 persons were killed in attacks on Sunday, while an additional 14 persons lost their lives in further attacks on Tuesday.
The affected communities in the renewed attacks include Adu, Aga, Mbaiyerikyaior, Tse-Nev, Facii, Demevaa and Igbum.
“CAN is deeply disturbed by reports that several Catholic parishes and church outstations have been deserted, attacked, or shut down as a result of the violence.
These include St. Peter Amadu, St. Peter New Gboko, Holy Family Takum, St. Francis Jenuwa Nyifiye, as well as churches within the Chanchanji Deanery, namely Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Chanchanji; St. Augustine Usoh; St. James the Great, Adu; St. Joseph Demevar; St. Jude Ansua; St. John Geraga; and St. Mary Atav.
Other denominational churches numbering 103 across Donga and Takum LGAs have also been forced to close due to the prevailing insecurity.
“These sustained attacks, which reportedly began in September, have displaced many hundreds of thousands of people mostly Christian farmers who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Peva and Amadu towns of Takum LGA.
“While CAN acknowledges and commends the efforts of the Taraba State Government, particularly the early deployment of security personnel to the Amadu axis, we are dismayed that the deployment lasted only for a few days while the killings continue unabated.
“We therefore, call for urgent and expanded deployment of security forces to the communities to end the circle of killings and displacement and give room for the people to return to their homes. This deployment should followed meaningful engagement and dialogue with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace
“The security gains recorded by the present administration across the state should not be allowed to be eroded by the continued killings and destruction in Southern Taraba.
“CAN reiterates that the persistent loss of innocent lives is unacceptable. Should urgent and decisive steps not be taken to halt the killings and protect vulnerable communities in the coming days, the Association may be left with no option but to organise a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the national and international community to the ongoing killings in the area,” statement read.
