A renewed wave of violence swept through two Christian villages in Taraba state, leaving more than 40 Christians dead and dozens displaced in what survivors describe as a “silent slaughter.”
The attacks, carried out early Saturday morning, targeted the villages of Munga Lelau and Magami in Karim-Lamido County. Entire families were killed, and numerous homes were set ablaze. Survivors were forced to flee with nothing.
Eyewitnesses report that suspected Fulani herders stormed the villages, killing indiscriminately. Among the victims were children, women, and the elderly. One survivor, who requested anonymity, said he lost his only brother and six cousins in Munga Lelau. His mother remains missing.
“We need your prayers,” he said. “They attacked our village, and now our lives are shattered.”
Residents said the attackers came armed and unleashed coordinated violence that lasted for hours without immediate security intervention. Many homes were looted and torched, and large numbers of villagers fled into nearby forests or neighboring towns.
The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that tensions escalated after a 15-year-old boy, Isah Ishaku from Munga Doso, was attacked with a machete by an unidentified assailant. In response, a joint team of conventional police and Police Mobile Force personnel was deployed to the affected areas. Police spokesperson James Leshen said efforts were ongoing to restore calm and apprehend the attackers. Aggressive patrols have started, and community leaders have been engaged to reduce further tensions.
In an official statement, Governor Agbu Kefas condemned the attack as “horrendous and unacceptable.” The governor assured residents that those responsible would be held accountable and brought to justice.
“Our citizens’ safety is my top priority,” Kefas stated. “We have activated all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and bring those responsible to book.”
Despite the governor’s assurances, many survivors and other residents criticized the state government’s delayed and inadequate response to ongoing security threats in Karim-Lamido. The area has increasingly become a flashpoint for violence, with this latest attack in Munga Lelau marking yet another deadly incident in the region.
The exact death toll remains uncertain as recovery efforts continue, but residents put the number at 42. Some victims are still unaccounted for. Survivors fear further attacks as many villages remain unguarded.
