Residents of Chanchanji community in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State have fled their homes following an ongoing attack by suspected herders, with heavy gunfire reportedly heard across the area.
Witnesses said the attackers invaded the community on Sunday afternoon, firing shots indiscriminately and triggering panic among residents, including women and children, who ran into nearby bushes to escape.
A resident, in a distress message, described the situation as frightening, saying gunshots could be heard in several parts of Chanchanji.
“Fulani terrorists are attacking my town in Taraba State now. There are gunshots everywhere in Chanchanji,” the resident told SaharaReporters.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties and the extent of destruction remained unknown. Residents also reported that no security operatives were present in the community as the attack continued.
Chanchanji Ward has experienced repeated attacks over the past year, resulting in the displacement of more than 90,000 people from communities including Adu, Demeva, New-Gboko and Peva-Chanchanji. Some schools in the affected areas have reportedly been turned into camps for internally displaced persons.
The community has a history of deadly violence. In July 2024, the Chief of Chanchanji, HRH Tanimu Kunbiya, and his son were killed along the Takum-Chanchanji Road.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke, have thwarted several planned attacks on the community in recent months.
Community leaders had also appealed for the deployment of security personnel to a newly constructed police station in Chanchanji, which is yet to be fully staffed.
Amid the latest violence, residents are urging the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently deploy operatives to the area to halt the attack and protect lives and property.
