Newscenter Media News 
Taraba State, often described as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” is today no doubt grappling with a crisis that has shaken not only its farming communities but also its houses of worship.
Across Takum and Donga local government councils, church leaders say a pattern of violence, displacement and destruction is unfolding with alarming frequency, and they are demanding urgent intervention before the situation spirals further out of control.
From the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, to the Northern Christians Religious Leaders Assembly, NOCREL, and the United Methodist Church of Nigeria, UMCN, the message is consistent. They agitate that the killings must stop, and the state must act decisively.
In the latest wave of violence, at least 25 people were killed within two days in Takum and Donga councils, according to CAN.
Local residents and church leaders confirmed that 11 persons were killed in coordinated attacks on Sunday, while 14 more lost their lives in fresh assaults on Tuesday. The affected communities Adu, Aga, Mbaiyerikyaior, Tse-Nev, Facii, Demevaa and Igbum now bear fresh scars of grief and uncertainty.
Beyond the death toll, church leaders say the attacks have forced the closure of 103 denominational churches across Donga and Takum LGAs due to insecurity.
For many rural communities, churches are more than places of worship; they double as schools, counselling centres, and hubs of social support. Their closure signals not just fear, but social paralysis.
CAN revealed that the violence, which began in September, has displaced hundreds of thousands of people mostly Christian farmers who have fled to Peva and Amadu towns in Takum LGA in search of refuge.
While acknowledging and commending the Taraba State government for its early deployment of security personnel to the Amadu axis, CAN expressed dismay that the deployment lasted only a few days.
“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,” the association said.
The group warned that if urgent steps are not taken in the coming days, it may organize a peaceful protest to draw national and international attention to the killings.
Supporting CAN’s position, NOCRELA painted a grimmer picture in neighboring Chanchanji District of Takum LGA.
A statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Dr. Micah Philip Dopah, NOCRELA said at least 102 Tiv Christians were killed and more than 31 injured in a series of attacks between January 2 and February 3, 2026 — a span of just 33 days.
The group described the violence as “continuous, horrific, and targeted,” alleging that suspected Fulani militia specifically attacked Tiv communities and NKST churches.
No fewer than 10 separate attacks were recorded within that period, according to the statement. Homes were razed, churches destroyed, and entire communities uprooted.
NOCRELA said consultations with Tiv leaders and affected NKST pastors revealed widespread frustration over what they described as inadequate protection by security agencies.
“This terrible and dreadful act of violent criminality against the Tiv people and NKST churches is totally condemnable and unacceptable,” the statement read.
The group warned that what it termed a lax government response may have emboldened attackers and called on authorities to urgently arrest those responsible.
“Our hearts are broken by this act of violence against our Tiv Christian brethren,” it added.
Adding his voice to the outcry, Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria ,UMCN, Rev. Emmanuel Ande, described the unfolding situation as a “deep humanitarian, moral and security failure.”
Bishop Ande said that since 2019, over 1,000 farming communities in Taraba have been displaced, with killings increasing steadily.
“This is about security and the government’s failure to protect lives and property. No responsible leader, religious or political, can be comfortable with such a tragic reality,,” he said..
According to him, food security, livelihoods and social trust have been severely damaged. He called for improved intelligence gathering, fair government policies, and inclusive leadership to address ethnic and religious tensions.
“Silence is not an option. Justice, reconciliation and decisive action must replace fear and neglect,” he stressed.
Beyond Bullets: The Social Cost
The crisis extends beyond the immediate violence
With farming communities displaced, agricultural productivity has plummeted in affected areas. Bishop Ande warned that food insecurity is becoming a secondary consequence of the conflict.
He also pointed to the erosion of social trust, where fear has replaced neighborly bonds and suspicion now clouds inter-communal relationships.
Ending religious and ethnic divisions, he argued, requires intentional leadership and collective responsibility.
“Government policies must be fair and inclusive. Religious and traditional leaders must reject hate speech and promote mutual respect. Education should emphasise shared humanity, not differences,” he said.
Amid the violence, Bishop Ande also raised alarm over rising substance abuse, especially among young people in the state.
Describing drug abuse as one of the greatest obstacles to effective evangelism, he said it distorts moral judgment, destroys families and robs youth of hope.
He called for collaboration between churches and government combining moral guidance, preventive education, counselling and rehabilitation support with strengthened law enforcement and youth empowerment programmes.
“When the church provides moral guidance and the government provides policy and infrastructure, sustainable change becomes possible,” he said.
Despite the grim realities, Bishop Ande commended ggovernor Agbu Kefas for ordering the reopening of a church that had been closed for years due to crisis, describing the move as courageous and peace-oriented.
He expressed optimism that reconciliation services, forgiveness processes, pastoral counselling and inclusive dialogue could lay the foundation for lasting peace.
“We emphasised unity over victory and healing over blame. Peace does not come by force; it comes when people feel heard, respected and treated fairly,” he said.
Taraba now stands at a critical juncture.
On one hand, religious leaders are reaffirming their commitment to peace, justice and the sanctity of human life. On the other, communities continue to bury their dead and flee their homes.
Church leaders insist that the security gains recorded by the present administration must not be eroded by continued violence in Southern Taraba.
Whether through expanded security deployment, meaningful dialogue, reconciliation processes or stronger social policies, one message rings clearly across denominations – the killings must end.
Insecurity: This must stop now – CAN, NOCREL, others raise alarm over Taraba killings