Taraba Communities Flee Amid Rumors of Impending Militia Attacks
Residents of Chanchanji in Takum Local Council and Tor Damisa in Donga council area of Taraba State are fleeing their homes amid widespread rumors of impending attacks by militias. At press time, many residents were seen along major roads with their belongings, desperately seeking transportation to safer locations as fear continues to mount across the region.
Education Severely Disrupted by Security Crisis
School authorities report that the worsening security situation has severely disrupted education in the affected areas. Principal of Regina Packs School in Chanchanji, Mr Simon Avioko, alongside administrator of Holy Copy Schools in Takum, Rev. Fr. Samuel Ogah, said their facilities had been inundated by displaced persons from neighbouring communities.
According to them, many of the affected families have withdrawn their children from school due to insecurity and the loss of livelihoods, further compounding the crisis in the area. At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, the Dean of Chanchanji Deanery, Rev. Fr. Edward Barau, said residents have been living in constant fear following intelligence reports of impending attacks.
Community Leaders Urge Governor to Intensify Peace Efforts
The leaders urged Governor Agbu Kefas to intensify efforts to restore peace, despite commending his recent visit to affected communities alongside his Benue counterpart, Hyacinth Alia. They emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable populations and restore normalcy to daily life.
Police Dismiss Viral Video as False and Fabricated
However, the Taraba Police Command has dismissed a viral video alleging a planned terrorist attack in parts of the state, assuring residents that there is no cause for panic. The video, which circulated on social media since Friday, claimed that attacks would occur today in Takum and Donga council areas, creating tension and forcing some residents to flee their homes.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, described the tape as false and fabricated, saying it was intended to disturb public peace. He urged the public to disregard the misinformation and rely on official security updates from law enforcement agencies.
Former Lawmaker Commends Peaceful Security Situation
This is as former federal lawmaker, Babafemi Ojudu, has commended the security situation in Taraba, describing his recent visit to the state as peaceful and reassuring despite earlier warnings. Ojudu made the remarks at the weekend during a visit to Nwonyo Lake in Ibi Local Council, where the state government is partnering with La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort to develop an eco-tourism resort.
The former senator said he encountered no security threats while travelling across several towns and villages, highlighting a contrast between official reassurances and community anxieties. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in balancing public safety communications with grassroots security concerns in conflict-prone regions.
