By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has called on Governor Agbu Kefas to ensure the immediate deployment of security personnel to the Amadu area of Takum Local Government Area (LGA) to end the ongoing killings.
Nigerian Tribune reports that 25 persons have so far been confirmed killed in renewed attacks by suspected Fulani militia on Tiv communities in the area.
In a press release signed by its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams P. Awoshiri, CAN condemned the renewed wave of violent attacks and called for urgent security intervention.
“CAN Taraba State strongly condemns the renewed wave of violent attacks on communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State, which have claimed the lives of at least 25 persons within two days,” the statement said.
Tribune further reports that local residents and church leaders confirmed that 11 persons were killed in attacks on Sunday, while an additional 14 lost their lives in further attacks on Tuesday. The affected communities 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 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,” it continued.
The Christian body expressed dismay over what it described as “neglect for human life.” The chairman questioned the situation in which security personnel reportedly left the area after only two days of deployment while killings continued.
“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 a few days while the killings continue unabated.
“We therefore call for urgent and expanded deployment of security forces to the affected communities to end the cycle of killings and displacement and allow people to return to their homes. This deployment should be followed by 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.
“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.
“We reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life, and we call on all authorities concerned to act swiftly and responsibly in the interest of the people,” the statement added.
