By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Catholic Priests of Wukari Diocese in Taraba State on Thursday said the clergy would have no option but to seek help from the international community if all local efforts to end what they described as a Christian genocide in the state fail.
The priests, during a protest held at the Pastoral Centre in Jalingo, decried the wave of killings against Christian farmers in Taraba, particularly in Takum, Wukari, Donga, and Ussa Local Government Areas, as well as what they described as the inaction of relevant authorities to end the attacks.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the Vicar Pastoral of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Very Rev. Fr. James Yaro, said over 80 Christian farmers had been killed within 90 days, while more than 200 churches and communities had been destroyed in the affected areas.
“There is a Christian genocide going on in the southern part of Taraba State. Within just 90 days, over 80 Christian farmers have been killed, while more than 200 churches and Christian communities have been destroyed.
“If all local efforts to end the ongoing genocide fail, and it appears the state can no longer guarantee the security of lives and property of our people, we will have no option but to seek help from the international community.
“The attacks pose a direct infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of religion of the affected communities,” the priests said.
The clergymen alleged that the attacks were being perpetrated by suspected Fulani militia who reportedly strike at night, killing residents and setting homes and churches ablaze.
“More than 80 persons have been killed so far, several others injured, while over 200 communities and churches have been destroyed, with more than 90,000 Christians displaced.
“The suspected Fulani militia usually attack when people are asleep. They kill anyone in sight and set houses, harvests, and churches on fire.
“They have also allegedly taken over farmlands belonging to Christian communities and committed several atrocities, including rape.
“The attackers sometimes block roads and kill unarmed Christian farmers. They have now resorted to harvesting farm produce from displaced communities and feeding it to their animals,” they alleged.
The priests said the attacks pose a serious threat to lives, the growth of the Christian faith, and infrastructural development in the affected areas.
“These attacks do not only cost lives and property; they also greatly infringe on the religious freedom of Christians in the affected communities.
“While we appreciate the intervention of the Taraba State Government and security agencies in tackling the ongoing security challenges in the state, especially the timely intervention in the Karim Lamido, Sarkin Kudu axis and the Rafin Kada/Takum road axis, we call for similar action to address and end the carnage in Chanchanji Ward and other parts of Takum, Ussa, and more recently, parts of Donga Local Government Area in order to restore peace.
“As a matter of urgency, adequate security personnel should be mobilised and deployed to the hinterlands where the carnage is taking place unabated. Government at all levels must be deliberate in ensuring security and bringing the enablers and perpetrators of these heinous crimes against humanity to justice, irrespective of their ethnic, political, or religious affiliations.
“The plight of the Internally Displaced Persons requires immediate intervention by government, humanitarian agencies, NGOs, philanthropists, and people of goodwill.
“The urgent needs of the IDPs include relief materials such as foodstuffs, bedding, toiletries, medical care, and temporary shelters to avert a major humanitarian crisis.
“It is also expedient for key stakeholders such as traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, local government chairmen, and political leaders in the affected areas to engage in sincere and constructive dialogue aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability in southern Taraba,” they stated.
The priests pledged their continued spiritual support to the government, traditional rulers, and security personnel, praying for God’s guidance and protection as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
