By Nworisa Michael
The humanitarian situation in southern Taraba State is worsening by the day as internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Chanchanji Ward in Takum Local Government Area raise fresh alarms over what they describe as unrelenting attacks, mass killings and total abandonment.
With over 200 people reportedly killed since September, survivors say they have been left with nothing but trauma, hunger and uncertainty.
“We Ran With Nothing”
Community leader Stephen Kajo, speaking on behalf of the displaced residents, described months of repeated assaults that forced families to flee their ancestral homes.
“Our communities have been attacked repeatedly. Lives have been lost, houses burnt, farms destroyed. We had no choice but to run,” he said.
The displaced families are now appealing to key intervention agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to urgently provide food supplies, temporary shelters, medical support and other essential relief materials.
According to the IDPs, survival has become dependent on goodwill from kind individuals, as no structured humanitarian intervention has reached many of them.
“Life here is extremely difficult. We ran with nothing,” Kajo added.
The growing crisis recently triggered a peaceful protest by Catholic priests in southern Taraba, who condemned the continued killings and displacement of predominantly farming communities in Chanchanji Ward.
The clergy called for urgent security reinforcement and decisive government action to halt the bloodshed.
“We Don’t Feel Government Presence”
Beyond humanitarian needs, the displaced residents are demanding stronger security deployment to enable their safe return home.
An IDP leader stated:
“We want protection. We want peace. We want to return home safely.”
Some victims also accused the state government of failing to act decisively despite the rising death toll.
“Over 200 people have been killed since September, but we do not feel the presence of government,” they alleged.
Livelihoods Destroyed, Hope Fading
For elderly farmer Pa Aondona Hemba, the crisis has wiped out a lifetime of labour.
“I lost my house and my farm. Everything is gone. We just want peace in our land,” he lamented.
Youth leader Iorliam Tersoo described the camp atmosphere as one dominated by fear and uncertainty.
“We are afraid. We need security so that we can go back and rebuild our lives. We cannot continue like this,” he said.
As attacks persist, humanitarian observers warn that without immediate relief support and reinforced security operations, the crisis in southern Taraba could deepen further.
For now, the displaced families say their demands are simple: protection, relief materials, and the opportunity to return home in safety and dignity.