Takum herders attack devastates farmlands, displaces hundreds in Taraba; church urges government, security agencies, and NGOs to provide urgent relief
Takum herders attack has left hundreds displaced and farmlands destroyed in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, prompting urgent appeals for government intervention.
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The Holy Family Catholic Parish, Takum, raised the alarm, describing the situation as “disturbing and devastating.”
Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. George Dogo, stated the crisis began on September 19, 2025, following an attack on security personnel in Aye Twar, Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, which spilled over into border communities in Takum.
Affected areas include Dogon Gawa, Tor Gbenger, Jenuwa Nyifiye, Jenuwa Gaba, Jenuwa Gida, Jenuwa Ruwa, Jenuwa Nytsu, Kwari, and Ribasi, where farms of all kinds were reportedly destroyed.
In Asuku and Mbakyula villages, two people were critically injured, while around 150 residents were displaced.
Another 200 residents fled Imbor, Mbaaga, Chakera, Hoyo, Mbayatsav, Genda, and Ikyor communities after their farms were razed.
Tor-Lijam, Akaajo, Abunde, Akase, Ikyo-Dam, and Iortev villages were completely deserted, with about 560 people displaced.
In Ikper, Kur-Hindi, Wombo, Kwaghcia, and Angahar, another 500 people reportedly fled due to farm destruction.
Muji I, Muji II, Kwariben, Nzuwaya, and Tudun Haske also suffered significant farmland losses, while Tarhembe and Tornyi villages saw all farms burnt and one person critically injured. Approximately 402 residents from these villages were displaced.
Many displaced persons are currently seeking refuge in Mammy and High Level areas of Takum town, as well as Dogon Gawa, Manya, Sufa, Tor Donga, and Gbise.
Fr. Dogo appealed to the Taraba State Government, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to restore security and provide relief materials to affected families.
“Our people are suffering. Hundreds have been displaced, farmlands destroyed, and livelihoods ruined. We appeal to the government to take swift action before the situation worsens,” he said.
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When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, noted he had recently assumed office and had not yet been briefed on the incident but promised to investigate and provide updates.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
