Outrage in Taraba: Catholic Priests Take to the Streets as Over 200 Churches, Communities Reduced to Ashes

Outrage in Taraba: Catholic Priests Take to the Streets as Over 200 Churches, Communities Reduced to Ashes
Anger, grief, and frustration boiled over in Taraba State as Catholic priests staged a powerful protest against what they described as endless attacks, destruction, and government inaction that have left Christian communities devastated and vulnerable.
Dressed in their clerical robes and carrying placards, the priests sent a clear and emotional message: enough is enough.
For years, communities—especially in southern Taraba—have lived under constant fear. But recent reports indicating that over 200 churches and entire communities have been destroyed pushed religious leaders to break their silence and take public action.

“Our People Are Being Erased” — Priests Cry Out
The protest, led by members of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, highlighted the scale of devastation inflicted by violent attacks. According to the priests, these are not isolated incidents but systematic assaults that have displaced thousands, destroyed livelihoods, and shattered entire communities.
Church buildings that once served as places of hope and refuge now lie in ruins. Homes have been burnt. Families have been forced to flee ancestral lands. Many are now internally displaced, struggling to survive without adequate government support.
One priest reportedly lamented that entire villages have been wiped out while authorities issue statements but fail to provide real protection.

Where Is the Government?
The protest raises serious questions for the Taraba State Government and security agencies. Citizens are asking:
Why do these attacks keep happening?
Why are perpetrators rarely brought to justice?
Why are vulnerable communities left to defend themselves?
Many residents feel abandoned, accusing authorities of responding too slowly—or not at all—while innocent people continue to suffer.
The silence and perceived inaction have fueled anger among citizens, religious leaders, and civil society groups.

A Crisis Beyond Religion — It’s About Human Lives
The Christian Association of Nigeria and other faith-based groups have repeatedly warned that the destruction in Taraba is not just about buildings—it’s about human lives, dignity, and survival.
These attacks have:
Destroyed places of worship
Forced mass displacement
Created humanitarian crises
Left communities traumatized
For many victims, returning home remains impossible due to ongoing fear and insecurity.

Citizens Demand Action, Not Promises
The protesting priests made it clear: they are tired of condolences without concrete action.
They are demanding:
Immediate and stronger security deployment
Arrest and prosecution of perpetrators
Protection for vulnerable communities
Support for displaced victims
Their protest reflects a growing national frustration—Nigerians are increasingly demanding real protection, real justice, and real leadership.

How Many More Must Suffer?
This crisis in Taraba reflects a deeper national security failure. When priests—who are traditionally peaceful spiritual leaders—take to the streets in protest, it signals that the situation has reached a breaking point.
The people of Taraba are not asking for luxury. They are asking for the most basic duty of any government: protection of lives and property.
Until decisive action is taken, the fear remains that more communities, more churches, and more innocent lives could be lost.