Residents of several communities in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State have raised serious concerns over a growing security threat linked to an unusual influx of Fulani herders into their villages and farmlands.
Communities affected include Ikyaior, Jandekyula, Gbor-Ucha, Sondi, Gbonkom, Kente, Vaase, Gbeji and surrounding bush areas, where locals say large numbers of unfamiliar herders have moved in and begun settling within residential areas and farmlands.
According to community members, the development marks a sharp departure from the traditional pattern of transhumance in the area. They explained that herders usually pass through during the rainy season in search of pasture and leave during the dry season. However, the current influx is occurring in the dry season and in unusually large numbers, raising fears of possible criminal infiltration.
Residents expressed suspicion that some of the herders may be fleeing intensified security operations against bandits in other parts of the country, a situation they say poses grave risks to the predominantly Tiv and Jukun farming communities in Wukari.
The communities accused the herders of widespread destruction of farmlands, alleging that crops such as cassava and yam are deliberately uprooted and fed to cattle. They also complained of pollution of streams and other water sources after cattle were driven into them, contaminating water used for drinking and domestic purposes.
Locals further said overgrazing has resulted in severe soil degradation, erosion and loss of fertile topsoil, leaving many farmlands unsuitable for cultivation and threatening their livelihoods.
Beyond environmental and economic damage, residents raised serious security concerns, citing alleged cases of rape and violent attacks on community members. They claimed that the herders often wield machetes and other weapons against anyone who challenges their activities.
Community leaders also expressed alarm that some of the herders have begun constructing permanent houses instead of temporary shelters, suggesting an intention to settle permanently. They further alleged that the herders openly parade dangerous weapons, including knives, machetes and, in some cases, firearms.
Rejecting what they described as forced cohabitation, the residents insisted that no community would invade another state and occupy land without consent. They called on security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently intervene to protect lives and property in Ikyaior, Chuda, Jandekyula, Riti, Gbor-Ucha, Sondi, Vaase, Tse-Amenger, Kente and Gbeji.
The residents warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to a breakdown of law and order and further escalate tensions in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
