Wukari Diocese To Gov Kefas: Address Killings, Attacks In Chanchanji, Southern Taraba Now

 

The Catholic Diocese of Wukari has called on Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to urgently intervene in the ongoing killings and attacks in Chanchanji Ward and other troubled communities in Southern Taraba.

 

Speaking during a press briefing at the Catholic Secretariat in Jalingo, the diocese appealed to the state government to extend the same level of decisive security intervention earlier witnessed in Karim Lamido, the Sarkin Kudu axis and along the Rafin Kada/Takum road corridor to Chanchanji and parts of Takum, Ussa and Donga local government areas.

 

Addressing newsmen were Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Bature, Vicar Administration; Very Rev. Fr. Moses Angyian, Chairman of the Priests' Council; Very Rev. Fr. James Yaro, Vicar Pastoral; and Rev. Fr. Augustine Chifu, JDPC/CARITAS Coordinator of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari.

 

 

While acknowledging the efforts of Governor Kefas and security agencies in stabilizing some volatile areas of the state, the church leaders said communities within the Wukari Diocese continue to suffer repeated attacks, killings and displacement.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Bature said over 200 communities and churches have been destroyed, while more than 90,000 Catholics have been displaced as a result of the attacks.

 

According to the Diocese, the suspected militia often strike in the early hours of the morning while residents are asleep, killing victims and setting houses and harvested produce ablaze.

 

The clergy cited the most recent incident in Mchia village, Chanchanji Ward, which occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, where over ten people were reportedly killed and several houses razed.

 

They further alleged that the attackers have taken over farmlands belonging to local farmers, attacking anyone who attempts to access their farms for food. The Diocese also reported cases of sexual violence against women and incidents where roads were blocked and unsuspecting farmers killed.

 

In a more troubling development, the Diocese claimed that farm produce belonging to displaced communities is now being harvested and used to feed livestock belonging to the attackers.

 

The Church described the crisis as an existential threat not only to lives and property but also to religious freedom and the growth of Christianity in the affected areas. It noted that in some instances, priests' residences and church buildings have been deliberately targeted and destroyed.

 

Despite the situation, the Diocese maintained that it remains steadfast in faith and hopeful that peace can be achieved through sustained prayers and collaboration between the Church and the government.

 

 

The diocese noted that the success recorded in previously affected zones demonstrates that coordinated and timely deployment of security personnel can restore calm, stressing that similar urgent action is needed in Chanchanji Ward where residents have faced persistent violence.

 

Church leaders warned that failure to address the situation promptly could further deepen humanitarian challenges, disrupt farming activities and prolong the displacement of thousands of residents.

 

They urged the governor to intensify security presence in rural hinterlands, ensure sustained patrols and provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities to enable displaced persons return home safely.

 

Reaffirming their support for the state government, the diocese pledged continued prayers and cooperation with authorities, expressing hope that decisive action would bring lasting peace to Southern Taraba.