By Hundreds of residents in Chanchanji, Tordamisa and other communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of Taraba State have fled their homes following rising insecurity and fears of fresh attacks in the area.
The situation has disrupted academic and commercial activities, as both public and private schools, as well as places of worship, have been shut down due to tension triggered by a viral video alleging a planned terrorist attack after the Ramadan period.
Farmers preparing their lands for the upcoming wet farming season have also abandoned their communities, while many displaced persons are currently taking refuge in schools located in relatively safer areas, further affecting learning activities.
Education authorities and community leaders expressed concern over the growing panic. The Administrator of Holy Cross Schools in Takum, Reverend Father Samuel Ogah, said academic activities had been seriously disrupted due to the influx of displaced persons seeking shelter in school premises.
Similarly, the Principal of Regina Packs School in Chanchanji, Simon Avioko, lamented that many parents had withdrawn their children from school after losing their homes and means of livelihood to recent attacks.
Religious leaders in the affected communities said residents are living in constant fear despite the presence of security personnel. In Tor Damisa community of Donga Local Government Area, where security operatives recently repelled an attack, authorities confirmed that credible intelligence had prompted the mass movement of residents to safer locations.
Health facilities in the area are also under pressure as they continue to receive victims with injuries from the attacks. Officials at Sancta Maria Clinic and Maternity in Takum appealed to government and humanitarian organisations for urgent support to assist victims and displaced persons.
Meanwhile, the Taraba State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm, assuring that security agencies have deployed operational and intelligence measures to safeguard lives and property and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
