A fresh wave of violence has rocked parts of Taraba State following reports of a deadly attack on Chanchanji Council Ward in Takum Local Government Area, where more than 70 people were allegedly killed and at least 35 churches vandalised.
According to reports circulating on social media, the attack occurred on 3 February 2026, leaving entire communities devastated. Residents described the incident as a coordinated assault that targeted predominantly Christian settlements, homes, and places of worship, triggering renewed fears over insecurity in the area.
Local sources said many villagers were caught unawares as assailants stormed the communities, killing residents and destroying church buildings. Survivors reportedly fled to neighbouring areas in search of safety, while others remain unaccounted for.
Although official confirmation from security agencies was still awaited as of the time of filing this report, names of victims alleged to have been killed during the attack have been released by Ozor Ndi Ozor, a user on X (formerly Twitter).
Those named include:
- Terla Tyonenge
- Dajo Senga
- Sonter Msugh
- Fanbo Orhena
- Kundushima Yaor
- Verlor Tyowus
- Tyowua Firgha
- Apinen Ikyondo
- Gwa Osaugh
- Aondona Gia
- Terngu Gia
- Usha Tumbee
- Tyolumun Daida
- Terzungwa Tilinga
- Tordue Toryiln
- Ornan Orgen
- Mgbekenger Sawua
- Zunguior Akigh
- Mama Ageaor Kpaor
- Terzungwe Chia
- Mnenge Abiadu
- Msugh Gaza
- Saulu Kwazan
- Tyonenge Ikpughun
- Igbaga Mbakuaga
- Mtera Akulaan
- Mary Joseph
- Tornongo Kpega
- Atsator Ayal
- Tyoor Orya
- Usenga Pevikyaa
- Gbaka Kalo
- Luper Mulega (reportedly taken alive)
- Pastor Doose Mbathembe
- Aperaku Ondoaver Kua Kwase Na
- Aondover Kparev Ugosol
- Tyoakula Atsenga
- Aondosoo Shacia
- Aondoakura Kurave
- Gogo Atindiga
- Aondonengen Apine
- Aondo Ljewua
- Ushahemba Kerchia
- Abraham Apine
- Kumater Igo
- Terlumun Apetimin
- Jimeshin Mbaume
- Orera Lorhom
- J. Abraham Anyoho
- Angoboga Mbagbe
- Vershima Orhungs
- Mary Kircivir
- Orlega Maughaonde
- Kwaghsaanga Aniv
- Emmatue Fortan
- Kumaaron Aperilighin
- Maaserin Alibo
- Chia Atunku
- Zaki Agbaibo Tetan
- Mverve Akombo
Community leaders have condemned the attack, describing it as part of a recurring pattern of violence that has continued to claim lives and destroy livelihoods in parts of Taraba State. They called on the federal and state governments to urgently deploy security forces to the area and ensure justice for the victims.
Human rights advocates also urged authorities to carry out an independent investigation into the killings and the destruction of churches, warning that continued silence and inaction could worsen tensions and fuel further violence.
As of press time, the Taraba State Government and security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
