The prevailing insecurity in Chanchanji, Tordamisa and other communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State has forced hundreds of residents to flee their ancestral homes, thereby grounding academic and commercial activities across the affected localities.
Findings by LEADERSHIP revealed that both public and private schools currently in session, as well as worship places in the troubled communities have been shut down due to the escalating fear and tension over a viral video that alleged planned terrorist attack immediately after the Ramadan.
Also, farmers, who have begun clearing their lands ahead of the wet farming season, have also abandoned their communities, as residents deserted their communities for fear of being caught in the violence, and or becoming victims.
With the rising insecurity situation, many of the displaced persons are now taking refuge in schools located in relatively safer areas, which further disrupted academic activities of those schools.
Our correspondent gathered that, the recent growing panic was triggered by a viral video alleging that suspected armed Fulani militia were specifically mobilising to launch coordinated attacks in Takum and Donga local government areas.
LEADERSHIP further reports that their fears are compounded by recent incidents of violence in the area, which security operatives reportedly intervened to contain earlier attacks.
Speaking on the situation, the administrator of Holy Cross Schools in Takum, Rev. Fr. Samuel Ogah, said academic activities had been seriously disrupted due to the influx of displaced persons seeking shelter within the school premises.
Similarly, the principal of Regina Packs School in Chanchanji, Mr. Simon Avioko, lamented how many parents had withdrawn their children from the school following the destruction of their homes and livelihoods.
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Chanchanji, the dean of Chanchanji Deanery, Rev. Fr. Edward Barau, said residents were living in constant fear following reports of an impending attack.
“Most people have already fled, but not everyone has the means to leave. Many of those you see here are from neighbouring communities that have been destroyed, with lives lost and properties razed,” he said.
He added that, although a recent attack on the community was repelled by the military, tension still remains very high.
“As we speak, the presence of soldiers is the only deterrent,” he noted.
In Tor Damisa, Donga local government area, where about three policemen and several others were killed in an attack last week, Rev. Fr. Mathias Akough confirmed that credible intelligence had prompted mass displacement of people.
He made a reference of a video released by the executive director of Equipping the Persecuted, Judd Saul, which detailed alleged plans by armed groups to attack parts of Southern Taraba and Southern Kaduna after the Ramadan.
Rev. Fr. Akough called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and redeploy personnel to avert further attacks, and stressed that the perpetrators could be tracked and brought to justice.
He also urged the state government to take more decisive action to restore peace, and commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his recent visit to the affected communities alongside the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.
Meanwhile, health facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties, who sustained bullet wounds from the attacks.
At Sancta Maria Clinic and Maternity in Takum, Rev. Sister. Filipa Fangpa said the facility is overwhelmed as injured persons continue to arrive daily.
She appealed to government, organisations and individuals for support to enable the clinic cater for victims and extend outreach to displaced persons.
As at the time of filing this report, evacuation of residents was still ongoing amid heightened tension in the two locality.
However, the Taraba State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm, and assured that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelia, the Command said it was aware of the viral video and had taken steps in collaboration with other security agencies to address the situation.
“There is no cause for panic. Necessary operational and intelligence-driven measures have been deployed to safeguard lives and property,” the statement read.
The Command further advised residents to remain vigilant, and to report suspicious activities, and to avoid spreading unverified information capable of inciting fear.
The Police, also reiterated its commitment, alongside other security agencies to ensure peace and security across the state.
