In a powerful display of solidarity and urgency, priests from the Catholic Dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo, alongside other clergy and faithful, marched through the streets of Jalingo on Thursday, February 12, 2026, to protest the ongoing wave of violence, killings, kidnappings, and destruction targeting Christian communities in southern Taraba State.
Led by Very Rev. Fr. James Yaro, Vicar Pastoral (Apostolic Vicar) of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, the peaceful demonstration condemned the "heartbreaking carnage" and what participants described as a systematic campaign of terror against Christians, particularly in the local government areas of Takum, Donga, Ussa, and Wukari.
Church sources report that since the escalation of attacks in September 2025, more than 80 people, predominantly farmers, have been killed in just 90 days, with many others sustaining serious injuries.
Over 200 churches, communities, and villages have been destroyed or reduced to rubble, forcing more than 90,000 Catholics and other Christians to flee their homes as internally displaced persons. Women and vulnerable groups have suffered some of the most brutal atrocities, including rape and targeted violence.
"The situation in southern Taraba is an existential threat to life and faith," said Fr. James Yaro during the protest and subsequent press briefing.
"More than 100 persons have been killed so far, several others injured, while over 200 communities and Churches have been destroyed, and residents numbering over 90,000 Catholics have been displaced.
This is a genocide against Christians, and the silence from authorities is deeply troubling."
The attackers, often identified in reports as Fulani militias, strike rural areas at night, looting farms, burning homes and places of worship, blocking roads, and harvesting crops from displaced communities. Priests' residences and church buildings have been directly targeted in some incidents, severely hindering pastoral work and community development.
The protesting clergy demanded immediate and decisive action from federal, state, and local governments, including: Urgent deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable rural areas to halt the bloodshed.
Thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators and accomplices, regardless of ethnic, political, or religious ties.
Humanitarian support for displaced persons, including food, medical supplies, bedding, hygiene items, and temporary shelter to avert a worsening crisis.
Genuine dialogue among stakeholders, traditional leaders, religious figures, security agencies, and politicians to foster lasting peace.
The priests warned that if local efforts fail to end the violence, they may have no choice but to seek international intervention and assistance to protect lives and religious freedom.
The Catholic Diocese of Wukari and its partners remain committed to peace, prayer, and service to all affected communities. They call on people of goodwill, humanitarian organizations, and the global community to stand in solidarity with the persecuted faithful of Taraba State.