By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Panic has gripped residents of Chanchanji in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State following reports that suspected herders’ militants have crossed into the community with plans to launch coordinated attacks.
Community members, Terkula Yooso and Philip Abur, raised the alarm in separate interviews on Monday, saying the armed men were sighted moving into Chanchanji Ward from the neighbouring Donga Local Government Area.
According to them, intelligence gathered by locals indicates that the group is plotting simultaneous assaults on Peva-Chanchanji and Kufai Ahmadu towns, all in the Chanchanji Ward of Takum LGA.
Yooso explained that the development has heightened tension in the area, especially given the history of previous attacks.
“These same militants have attacked surrounding villages several times and displaced thousands,” he said. “Many of our people are now taking refuge in Peva and Amadu towns. We cannot go through this again.”
Abur, who also confirmed the movement, urged security agencies to act swiftly before the situation escalates.
“We don’t want another tragedy. The signs are clear. Government must intervene now,” he said.
The alarm by the Chanchanji community comes on the heels of a recent warning issued by Rev. Fr. George Dogo, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Takum, who raised concern over renewed attacks by suspected herders on several communities in Takum LGA, leading to widespread destruction of farmlands and mass displacement of residents.
The Church had cautioned that the pattern of attacks suggested a widening security breach in the area.
Residents who spoke to Nigerian Tribune appealed for the immediate deployment of security personnel, saying the area has become increasingly vulnerable due to repeated raids and slow response from authorities.
When contacted on the phone, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Ishaku, said he was just receiving the information and would investigate and get back to our correspondent. However, he had not done so as of the time of filing this report.
