Catholic priests under the Diocese of Wukari in Taraba State have raised alarm over what they describe as sustained attacks on Christian communities in the southern part of the state, warning that they may seek international intervention if local authorities fail to halt the violence.
The clergy made this known on Thursday during a peaceful protest at the Pastoral Centre in Jalingo. They expressed deep concern over the rising killings of Christian farmers in Takum, Wukari, Donga, and Ussa Local Government Areas, accusing relevant authorities of not doing enough to stop the bloodshed.
Speaking to journalists at the protest, the Vicar Pastoral of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Very Rev. Fr. James Yaro, stated that more than 80 Christian farmers had been killed within three months, while over 200 churches and communities were reportedly destroyed.
“There is Christian genocide going on in southern part of Taraba. Just within 90 days, over 80 Christian farmers have been killed while over 200 churches and Christian communities have been destroyed.
“If all local efforts to end the ongoing genocide fail, and it seems the State can no longer guarantee the security of lives and property of our people, we would have no option than to seek help from the International Community.
“The attacks have posed a direct infringement on the constitutional right to freedom of religion of the affected communities,” the priests decried.
The priests alleged that the attacks were being carried out by suspected Fulani militia, who they claimed often strike at night, targeting sleeping residents, killing victims, and setting homes and churches ablaze.
“More than 80 persons have been killed so far, several others injured with various degrees of injuries, while over 200 communities and Churches have been destroyed and the residents, numbering over 90,000 Christian, displaced.
“The suspected Fulani militia who carry out these attacks usually come when people are sleeping. They attack and kill anyone in sight, set houses, harvests and churches ablaze.
“The Fulani militia have also taken over entire Christian farmlands. They have been committing so many atrocities like rape and others.
“The killers sometimes block roads and kill the harmless Christian farmers. The Fulani militia have now resorted to harvesting farm produce of displaced communities and feeding same to their animals,” they continue.
According to the clergy, the continued violence poses a grave threat not only to lives and property but also to religious freedom and the overall development of the affected communities.
“These attacks does not only cost lives and property. It also greatly infringes on the religious freedom of Christians in the affected communities.
“In as much as we appreciate the intervention of the Taraba State Government and security agencies in tackling the ongoing security challenges in the State especially the timely intervention in Karim Lamido, Sarkin Kudu axis and Rafin Kada/Takum road axis, we equally call for an extension of same timely intervention to address and put an end to the carnage that has been going on in Chanchanji Ward and other parts of Takum, Ussa and more recently, parts of Donga Local Government Areas in order to restore peace in the affected communities.
“As a matter of urgency, we request that adequate security personnel should be mobilised and deployed to the hinterlands where this carnage is taking place unabated. The government at all levels must be deliberate in ensuring security guarantees and bringing enablers and perpetrators of these dastardly acts or heinous crimes against humanity to justice, irrespective of their ethnic, political and religious affiliations.
“The plight of the Internally Displaced Persons require immediate intervention by the government, humanitarian agencies at all levels, NGOs, philanthropists and people of goodwill.
“The urgent needs of the IDPs include, among other things, relief materials such as food stuff, beddings, toiletries, medical health care and temporary tents in order to guarantee their overall well-being so as to avert a major humanitarian disaster.
“It is also expedient for major key players such as the traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, local government chairmen and other political leaders in the affected area to meet and engage sincerely in constructive dialogue aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability in the southern Taraba region”.
The priests also pledged continued spiritual support for government officials, traditional leaders, and security agencies, praying for wisdom and protection as they carry out their responsibilities.
