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In the early hours of February 9, 2026, panic and grief swept through Tiv communities in Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State, following a series of brutal assaults allegedly carried out by armed militias linked to Fulani groups. Eyewitness accounts describe coordinated attacks on villages, resulting in the deaths of several civilians and the deliberate destruction of numerous churches.
The Mbajir community (also referred to as Mbayar or similar variants in local reports) suffered the most severe impact, with homes targeted indiscriminately and places of worship set ablaze. Reports indicate that at least 12 churches were destroyed in the onslaught, including:
– Living Faith Church, Barki
– NKST Church, Tsehe
– Roman Catholic Church, Ikyaaior (Mbajir)
– St. Paul Parish, Adu
– St. Paul Parish, Adu (additional mention)
– St. James Catholic Church, Mbateteto
– Living Faith Church, Tyobaa
– Living Faith Church, Ayiasse
– Roman Catholic Church, Atsanger
– Roman Catholic Church, Chanwa
– Roman Catholic Church, Chanwa (variant spelling)
– NKST Church, Ayu
– Holy Ghost Church, Abong
– Assembly of God Church, Tse Aleva
These attacks are part of a broader pattern of violence plaguing Tiv settlements in the region, amid ongoing tensions often linked to land disputes, herder-farmer conflicts, and ethnic-religious divides in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Recent reports from organizations like the Northern Christians Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) and International Christian Concern highlight that between early January and early February 2026, over 100 Tiv Christians have been killed in Chanchanji Ward alone, with dozens of churches vandalized or burned across multiple incidents.
Amb. Rikwense Muri, President of the STYCOP Peace Project, condemned the assaults as a “deliberate assault on religious freedom and community life.” In a statement, he described the violence as targeted and urged immediate intervention from federal and state authorities, security agencies, and humanitarian organizations. Muri warned that any delay in response would only encourage further escalation, emphasizing the need for reinforced security, urgent relief for affected residents, and accountability for those responsible.
The incidents have intensified fear among Tiv populations in southern Taraba, exacerbating displacement and disrupting daily life in already vulnerable rural areas. Community leaders and local advocates continue to call for swift government action to restore peace and protect civilians from recurring threats.
As details emerge, the attacks underscore persistent security challenges in Taraba State and the urgent requirement for sustained efforts to address root causes and prevent further bloodshed in the region.
