By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the renewed wave of violent attacks on communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State, which have left no fewer than 25 people dead within two days.
The Chairman of CAN in Taraba State, Rev. Fr. Dr Williams P. Awoshiri, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Jalingo.
According to the statement, local residents and church leaders confirmed that 11 people were killed during attacks on Sunday, while a further 14 lost their lives in fresh assaults on Tuesday.
Communities affected by the renewed violence were listed as Adu, Aga, Mbaiyerikyaior, Tse-Nev, Facii, Demevaa and Igbum.
CAN expressed deep concern over reports that several Catholic parishes and church outstations have been deserted, attacked or forced to shut down as a result of the insecurity. These include St Peter Amadu, St Peter New Gboko, Holy Family Takum, St Francis Jenuwa Nyifiye, as well as churches within the Chanchanji Deanery — 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.
The association further revealed that no fewer than 103 churches of other denominations across Donga and Takum LGAs have also been closed due to the prevailing security situation.
The statement noted that the sustained attacks, which reportedly began in September, have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Christian farmers, who have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Peva and Amadu towns in Takum LGA.
While acknowledging and commending the efforts of the Taraba State Government, particularly the early deployment of security personnel to the Amadu axis, CAN expressed dismay that the deployment lasted only a few days, even as the killings have continued unabated.
“We therefore call for urgent and expanded deployment of security forces to the affected communities to end the cycle of killings and displacement, and to enable residents to return to their homes,” the statement said.
It added that such deployment should be followed by meaningful engagement and dialogue with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace.
CAN warned that the security gains recorded by the present administration across the state should not be allowed to be eroded by continued killings and destruction in Southern Taraba.
The association reiterated that the persistent loss of innocent lives is unacceptable, warning that if urgent and decisive action is not taken to halt the violence and protect vulnerable communities, it may be left with no option but to organise a peaceful protest to draw national and international attention to the situation.
“We reaffirm our commitment to peace, justice and the sanctity of human life, and we call on all relevant authorities to act swiftly and responsibly in the interest of the people,” the statement added.
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