A wave of fear and uncertainty has swept through parts of Taraba State as residents of Chanchanji in Takum Local Government Area and Tor Damisa in Donga Local Government Area abandon their homes amid reports of looming militia attacks.
Locals were seen along major roads carrying bags and household items, urgently seeking transportation out of their communities. Many described a growing sense of dread fueled by reports of renewed violence.
The crisis is taking a heavy toll on education. At Regina Packs School in Chanchanji and Holy Copy Schools in Takum, administrators reported severe disruptions to learning.
Mr. Simon Avioko and Samuel Ogah confirmed that their schools have been converted into temporary shelters for families fleeing attacks from neighboring communities. They also noted that many parents have withdrawn their children entirely from school due to insecurity and the collapse of livelihoods.
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Taraba, the Dean of Chanchanji Deanery, Edward Barau, described the community as being gripped by fear and uncertainty.
“Most people have already fled, but not everyone can afford to leave. Those remaining are either stranded or sheltering others whose villages have been destroyed, with families torn apart and livelihoods gone,” he said.
He revealed that warnings of an attack began circulating last week and were followed by an attempted attack which security forces reportedly repelled.
“Since then, tension has remained extremely high. The presence of soldiers is the only thing giving people some sense of safety,” he added.
In Tor Damisa, a community within Donga LGA, the situation is equally dire. Residents are fleeing following a recent attack that reportedly left three police officers and several civilians dead.
A cleric, Mathias Akough, said fresh intelligence points to another imminent attack, triggering a new wave of displacement.
He also cited claims by Judd Saul, who allegedly detailed plans by armed groups to launch coordinated attacks across southern Taraba and parts of southern Kaduna after Ramadan.
According to community leaders across Takum, Donga, and Ussa LGAs, the violence has already resulted in multiple deaths, razed villages, and widespread humanitarian distress.
They are urging security agencies to reassess their strategies and strengthen intelligence operations to prevent further bloodshed.
The leaders also called on Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba to intensify efforts to restore peace, while acknowledging his recent visit to affected communities alongside his counterpart from Benue State, Hyacinth Alia.
The humanitarian impact is also stretching local health services to their limits. At Sancta Maria Clinic and Maternity in Takum, Reverend Sister Filipa Fangpa said the facility is struggling to cope with a steady influx of injured victims.
She appealed for urgent assistance from Taraba government, aid agencies, and well-meaning individuals to sustain medical services and support outreach efforts to displaced populations.
