Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
TARABA STATE – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has cried out, alleging that the renewed violent attacks on communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State have compelled more than 103 churches across Donga and Takum local government areas of the state to shutdown.
It said that about 25 lives have also been claimed within the last three days.
The state Chairman of CAN, Rev. Fr. Williams P. Awoshiri, disclosed this in a statement made available to Journalists in Jalingo.
He said “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.”
Awoshiri named the affected Catholic churches as “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.”
The Reverend Father expressed sadness that the attacks had led to the displacement of thousands of people, mostly Christian farmers who had been forced to flee their homes to seek refuge in other parts of the state.“
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.
“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 to 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 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 follow meaningful engagement and dialogue with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace.”
He further said “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.”
His words, “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 than to organise a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the national and international community to the ongoing killings in the area,”
