Catholic Priests Protest Massacre Of 80 Christians In Taraba

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Catholic priests and members of the faithful from the Wukari Diocese in Taraba State on Thursday organized a protest rally in response to the persistent killings in the southern region of the state.

Rev. Fr. James Yaro, Vicar Pastoral of the Wukari Diocese, emphasized the necessity for the diocese to conduct a solidarity march to raise awareness among government authorities about the ongoing and tragic killing of over 80 individuals in various local government areas within the state.

Fr. Yaro highlighted that the most recent attack occurred in Mchia village in Chanchanji Ward on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 4:00 am, resulting in the alleged deaths of over ten individuals and the destruction of several homes.

“To date, more than 80 individuals have lost their lives, numerous others have sustained injuries of varying degrees, and over 200 communities and churches have been destroyed, displacing over 90,000 Catholic residents.

“The attacks, believed to be perpetrated by suspected Fulani militia, typically occur during the early hours of the morning when individuals are asleep. The assailants indiscriminately kill anyone they encounter and set homes and crops ablaze.

“The suspected Fulani militia have also occupied the farmlands, attacking anyone who attempts to access their farms in search of food for their families. In some instances, women have been subjected to sexual violence while attempting to do so. The militia have also been known to block roads and kill unsuspecting and defenseless farmers with impunity. Recently, they have taken to harvesting the crops of displaced communities to feed their animals.

“The crisis in Southern Taraba State persists, posing a significant existential threat to life and presenting a substantial challenge to the growth of the Christian faith and infrastructural development in the area. This crisis not only results in loss of life and property but also severely restricts the religious freedom of Christians in the affected communities.

“However, the Bishop, priests, religious members, and laity of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari remain resolute and are convinced that, with divine support and sustained prayers, along with collaborative efforts between the Church and the State, lasting peace can be achieved.”

While acknowledging the state government’s interventions, the Catholic priests urged the mobilization and deployment of adequate security personnel to the remote areas where these killings continue unabated.

“As we continue our efforts as a Church to halt the violence and alleviate the suffering of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), we recognize that greater progress can be made if the government directs focused attention to the crisis and enhances its constitutional role in safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens.

“The government at all levels must take deliberate action to ensure security assurances and bring those responsible for these heinous acts against humanity to justice through their immediate arrest and prosecution, regardless of their ethnic, political, or religious affiliations.

“The plight of the IDPs necessitates immediate intervention by the government, humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and individuals of goodwill. The urgent needs of the IDPs include relief materials such as food, bedding, toiletries, medical care, and temporary shelters to ensure their overall well-being and prevent a major humanitarian disaster.

“It is also imperative for key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, local government chairmen, and other political leaders in the affected area, to engage in sincere and constructive dialogue aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability in the southern Taraba State region.

“If these efforts prove unsuccessful and the State can no longer guarantee the security of lives and property, we may have no choice but to seek assistance from the international community.

“Nonetheless, we continue to offer our unwavering spiritual support to the government, traditional rulers, and security personnel, praying for God’s guidance and protection as they fulfill their constitutional and administrative duties for the common good,” they stated.