By Sanee Yarima, Jalingo
The TEKAN/ ECWA bloc of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has condemned in strong terms, the attacks on churches in Tiv communities of Takum and Donga local government areas of the State.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chairman of the TEKAN/ECWA bloc of CAN in the State, Rev. Rimamnde Musa Andemun.
The statement said the attacks were carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen in various communities of the two local government areas.
“The incidence resulted in the loss of several lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents, The attacks have also led to widespread destruction of farmlands, homes, leaving many residents without shelter or means of livelihood”,
“In the recent attack, 20 people were killed, and houses were burnt. We are also urging stakeholders in the affected areas to provide relief materials. The situation remains tense with residents living in fear of further attacks.
“The government is urged to take immediate action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of all citizens. We as TEKAN/ECWA have urged the State government to provide relief materials to the affected families and ensure that justice is done for the victims”, the statement added.
Rev. Andemun, who described the situation as barbaric, called on the State government to delve into the situation by restoring peace and security in the affected areas.
However, the statement revealed that 10 consistories of the NKST church in Takum affected by the crisis were: Peva, Tsehe, Audu, Adu, Demevar, Amadu, Oram, Taryuhwa Akenawe and Agema. Others were; Jato Takum, Akulla, and Gawa.
“NKST consistories affected in the Donga local government were: Shagu, Ananum, Uhula, Unom, Shudan, Akume and Imo”.
When contacted through a telephone conversation, the Pastor in charge of NKST church in Peva village of the Takum LGA, Rev. Yuhwam Peva said more than 15 people lost their lives to the crisis.
“Several dead bodies were lying in the bushes but their bodies could not be recovered due to fear of further attacks. The attackers live in the bush, waiting for anybody who will go to his farm. When they see women, they allow them to go but when they see men, they kill them, their cows feed on our farms daily”,
“We want the State government to intervene and deploy security men to us here. Let the soldiers and Police men enter the bushes, our people are being killed, our farms are being eaten. We are only looking for peace”, he emphasised.
