The security situation in Chanchanji Ward of Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State, has worsened, following reports of renewed attacks that have allegedly claimed the lives of Tiv farmers in the area.
The matter was raised on the floor of the Taraba State House of Assembly on Tuesday by Mr Abubakar Tanko Yusuf, who represents Takum I State Constituency.
Tanko told the House that members of the Tiv community were being killed almost daily in attacks around Kufai Ahmadu and other farming settlements, particularly while working on their farmlands.
He described the situation as a serious humanitarian and security concern that required urgent intervention by relevant authorities.
According to him, the killings were unjustified and unacceptable, noting that the victims were innocent farmers engaged in legitimate means of livelihood.
The lawmaker warned that what initially appeared to be isolated incidents had now developed into sustained violence, posing a threat to peace and stability in Chanchanji Ward, Takum Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.
Tanko condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incidents, arrest those responsible and ensure they were brought to justice.
He cautioned that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal elements and further escalate insecurity in the area.
While expressing concern over the rising casualties, the lawmaker urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against reprisals or self-help that could aggravate the situation.
He also appealed to the state government, local authorities and traditional institutions to collaborate in restoring peace, stressing the need for increased security presence, improved intelligence gathering and sustained dialogue at the grassroots level.
Community leaders, meanwhile, said the renewed violence was worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation in parts of Southern Taraba.
Tiv stakeholders have previously alleged that thousands of people had been killed since 2019, with many others displaced from communities across Takum, Wukari, Donga, Ibi and adjoining areas.
They warned that continued attacks were forcing farmers to abandon their farmlands, thereby deepening displacement, poverty and food insecurity.
Religious and community leaders have also called on the state and federal governments to take decisive action to protect lives and property and to facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their communities.
As tension remains high in Chanchanji Ward, lawmakers, traditional rulers and residents have urged authorities to treat the situation as an emergency, insisting that only swift and coordinated action will restore peace and confidence in Takum and its environs.
