Happening Now: Gunshots Rock Taraba Community As Residents Escape Suspected Herdsmen Attack
Residents of Chanchanji town in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State have reportedly fled their homes following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen.
The attack, which reportedly began on Saturday afternoon, triggered panic across the community as heavy gunfire echoed through different parts of the town.
Local residents said women, children and other community members ran into the bush to escape the attackers, while a distress message from the area indicated that sporadic shooting was ongoing.
Residents further claimed that no police officers or other security operatives were present in the town as the attack unfolded.
The situation remained tense as of the time of this report, with casualties and the extent of destruction yet to be established.
“Fulani terrorists are attacking my town in Taraba State now. There are gunshots everywhere in Chanchanji,” a resident said in a distress message.
The latest incident comes amid a prolonged security crisis in Chanchanji Ward, which has experienced repeated attacks over the past year.
More than 90,000 people have reportedly been displaced from affected communities, including Adu, Demeva, New-Gboko and Peva-Chanchanji. Schools in the area have also been turned into camps for internally displaced persons.
The community has suffered deadly attacks in the past. In July 2024, the traditional ruler of Chanchanji, HRH Tanimu Kunbiya, and his son were killed along the Takum-Chanchanji Road.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade under Operation Whirl Stroke have reportedly thwarted several planned attacks on the area in recent months.
Community leaders had also appealed for security personnel to be deployed to a newly built police station in Chanchanji, which is yet to be fully staffed.
Amid the latest violence, residents are urging the Taraba State Government and security agencies to act swiftly by deploying security operatives to the area to halt the attack and prevent further casualties.
