BREAKING: Panic As Suspected Herdsmen Attack Taraba Community, Residents Flee Into Bush
Panic has erupted in Chanchanji town, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, following an ongoing attack by suspected armed herdsmen.
Residents said heavy gunshots were heard in different parts of the community on Saturday afternoon, forcing women, children and other residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
According to a distress message shared by a resident, the attackers invaded the town and began shooting sporadically, throwing the community into confusion.
As of the time of filing this report, residents claimed there was no police or other security presence in the town, leaving them exposed as the gunfire continued.
The number of casualties and the extent of damage caused by the attack had yet to be confirmed.
“Fulani terrorists are attacking my town in Taraba State now. There are gunshots everywhere in Chanchanji,” a resident reportedly said.
Chanchanji Ward has witnessed repeated attacks over the past year, resulting in the displacement of more than 90,000 people from communities including Adu, Demeva, New-Gboko and Peva-Chanchanji. Some schools in the area have reportedly been converted into camps for internally displaced persons.
In July 2024, the Chief of Chanchanji, HRH Tanimu Kunbiya, and his son were killed along the Takum-Chanchanji Road.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke, have also foiled several planned attacks on the community in recent months.
Community leaders had recently appealed to the authorities to deploy security personnel to a newly constructed police station in Chanchanji, which is yet to be fully staffed.
Residents are now calling on the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently deploy operatives to the community to stop the ongoing attack and protect lives and property.
