Priests from the Catholic Diocese of Wukari in Taraba State have protested against the ongoing violence in the southern part of the state, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the region. The clergies reported that sustained attacks have displaced over 90,000 people and caused numerous deaths.
The protest, organized across the diocese, aimed to draw attention to the widespread destruction of communities and churches, particularly in areas under the Wukari Diocese. Very Rev. Father James Yaropay, Vicar Pastoral of the diocese, noted that entire communities have been left in ruins, and thousands remain homeless.
Speaking after the protest, Father Yaropay said, “This solidarity walk is intended to raise awareness about the ongoing devastation in Wukari Diocese, particularly in Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area, as well as parts of Ussa and Donga Local Government Areas. Since September 2025, these areas have experienced relentless attacks.”
According to the clergy, more than 80 people have been killed, and many others injured. Over 200 communities and churches have been destroyed, forcing more than 90,000 residents from their homes. The priests claimed that attackers frequently target communities in the early morning, killing inhabitants and burning houses, crops, and farmlands, further worsening food insecurity and economic hardship.
In a statement following the protest, the priests demanded immediate government intervention. They urged the deployment of adequate security personnel to affected areas and stressed the need to hold perpetrators accountable.
“The government must act decisively to ensure security and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice, regardless of their ethnic, political, or religious affiliations,” the statement said.
The clergy also highlighted the urgent needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), calling for immediate humanitarian support, including food, bedding, medical care, toiletries, and temporary shelters, to prevent a worsening crisis.
Earlier reports indicated that residents of several communities in Taraba accused the state government and security agencies of neglecting them amid the attacks. Community elders and religious leaders said suspected Fulani militias have taken over villages, destroyed property, and forced survivors to flee. Rev. Dr. Micah Philip Dopah, a Northern Christians Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) official, said repeated appeals for assistance had received no response.
“The situation has persisted for a long time, but government intervention has been lacking. People continue to be killed daily, and pleas for help remain unanswered,” Dopah said. Another community elder described the situation as dire, noting that attacks have escalated over the past two years, reaching alarming levels in recent weeks.
