Catholic priests, religious leaders and faithful from the dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Jalingo, the state capital condemning the continued mass killings of farmers in parts of Takum, Donga and Ussa local government councils of Taraba State.
Carrying placards of various inscriptions, the protesters expressed frustration over what they described as the seeming indifference of relevant authorities.
The protest, tagged a “solidarity walk,” was held to draw attention to attacks on communities in Chanchanji Ward of Takum, where the worst of the violence occurred.
The area has recorded over 80 deaths within 90 days, according to church sources, while thousands have been displaced and properties destroyed.
Speaking, Very Rev. Fr. James Yaro, Vicar Pastoral of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, noted that the attacks had resulted in the destruction of more than 200 churches and communities. He added that the violence was a direct violation of the constitutional right to freedom of religion of affected residents.