By Terna Chikpa
The Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Taraba State, on Friday said Fulani militia had displaced 98,000 people, including 16 priests, killed over 100 persons, and destroyed 217 churches within seven months in the southern part of the state.
The church also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be truly independent, stressing that credible elections are the foundation of a true democracy that reflects the will of the people.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Diocese General Assembly and signed by Most Rev. Mark Maigida Nzukwein, Bishop of the Diocese, and Very Rev. Fr. Simon Akuraga, Chancellor of the Diocese, the church urged political leaders seeking elective positions in the 2027 elections to see leadership as a fundamental call to service that requires selfless commitment from individuals entrusted with authority by the people to promote the common good.
The church lamented that the attacks had continued for months without sufficient efforts by security agencies to stop the killings.
It also decried what it described as the seeming untouchability of the Fulani ethnic militia allegedly responsible for the attacks.
“From September 2025, there has been a resurgence of attacks by Fulani ethnic militia on communities in Southern Taraba, especially in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas, as well as Yangtu Special Development Area. These attacks have left scores of people injured, maimed, and killed, while property worth millions of naira and means of livelihood have been destroyed.
“Available records indicate that the Fulani militia have displaced 98,000 persons, including 16 priests, killed over 100 people, and destroyed 217 churches in Southern Taraba.
“Most worrisome is that the Fulani ethnic militia carrying out these attacks seem to be untouchable, as the attacks have continued for months without security agencies doing enough to stop them. It is also worrisome that these intruders have taken over communities belonging to displaced citizens who are predominantly Christians,” the church stated.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the church urged INEC to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be truly independent and not be manipulated by any higher authority. We call for the full and transparent deployment of technology in the electoral process, including electronic collation and direct transmission of results from polling units to central servers.
“The consistent use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and other reliable technologies should be ensured to minimise human interference and prevent result manipulation by electoral officials and political actors, especially on election day.
“We affirm that credible elections are the foundation of any true democracy, reflecting the will of well-meaning Nigerians and ensuring legitimate governance,” the communiqué added.
The General Assembly also reminded political leaders to uphold the fundamental call to service, which requires the selfless commitment of persons entrusted with authority by the people to promote the common good.
