The Holy Family Catholic Parish in the Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State has raised alarm over renewed attacks by suspected herders on several communities in the area, which have left hundreds displaced and farmlands destroyed.

In a statement released on Monday by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr George Dogo, the church described the situation as “disturbing and devastating”, calling on government and security agencies to act urgently to prevent further violence and avert a looming humanitarian crisis.

According to the statement, the wave of attacks began on September 19, 2015, following an assault on security personnel in Aye Twar, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of neighbouring Benue State.

The violence, as emphasised by Dogo, later spread into border communities in Takum, where armed herders allegedly invaded farmlands and settlements, destroying crops and forcing villagers to flee.

The affected communities, as listed by the church, include DongoGawa, Tor-Gbengee, Jenuwa Nyifiye, Jenuwa Gida, and Kwari, among others, where, according to him, widespread destruction of farmland has been reported.

In Asuku and Mbakyula villages, two people were critically injured, while about 150 residents were displaced. Another 200 villagers reportedly fled from Mbaaga, Chakera, Ikyor and other communities after their farms were razed.

Fr Dogo appealed to government authorities, security agencies, and humanitarian organisations to intervene urgently and provide relief materials to the affected victims.

“Our people are suffering. Hundreds have been displaced, farmlands destroyed, and livelihoods ruined. We appeal to the government to take swift action before the situation worsens,” he said.

The parish urged both the Taraba State Government and federal authorities to deploy adequate security to the affected communities to restore peace and protect residents from further attacks.