Catholic leaders decry herdsmen violence in Taraba
Catholic priests and community groups in Southern Taraba State have raised the alarm over renewed violence and killings allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen across multiple communities under the Catholic Diocese of Wukari. Rev. Fr. John Laikel, Director of Social Communications for the diocese, described the situation as “devastating,” noting many rural parishes have been abandoned after sustained assaults that have claimed lives and destroyed villages. “It is disheartening that attacks on innocent citizens keep happening despite government promises to stop the killings,” he said, highlighting a pattern he believes is aimed at seizing communities for grazing. Victims are often returnees who had only recent resettled. Laikel alleged that herdsmen not only kill and burn down homes but also graze cattle on victims’ farmlands and occupy deserted settlements. He called on federal, state, and local authorities to protect lives and property, […]