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Catholic Clergy Protest Killings in Taraba, Demand Urgent Action

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
TarabaChurchProtest2026 as Catholic priests and faithful in Taraba State protest mass killings of farmers in Takum, Donga, and Ussa, calling for stronger security and humanitarian aid for displaced residents.

Catholic priests, religious leaders, and faithful from the Dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, condemning the continued mass killings of farmers in parts of Takum, Donga, and Ussa Local Government Areas.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters expressed frustration over government inaction and what they described as the indifference of relevant authorities.

The protest, tagged a “solidarity walk,” aimed to draw attention to the repeated attacks on communities in Chanchanji Ward of Takum, where the worst violence has occurred.

According to church sources, the area has recorded over 80 deaths in 90 days, with thousands displaced and properties destroyed.

“Over 200 Churches and Communities Destroyed”

Speaking during the protest, Very Rev. Fr. James Yaro, Vicar Pastoral of the Catholic Diocese of Wukari, said the attacks had led to the destruction of more than 200 churches and communities, describing the violence as a violation of the constitutional right to freedom of religion.

He accused suspected Fulani militia of carrying out the attacks, often striking at dawn, killing residents in their sleep, burning homes and farms, and seizing farmlands.

Fr. Yaro alleged that the attackers blocked roads, raped women, and harvested crops from abandoned farms to feed their animals, describing the situation as an “existential threat” to the Christian population and rural communities.

Call for Security and Humanitarian Intervention

While acknowledging the Taraba State Government’s intervention in other parts of the state, Fr. Yaro urged authorities to extend similar efforts to Chanchanji Ward and surrounding areas in Takum, Ussa, and Donga.

He called for the urgent deployment of security personnel, the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, and immediate humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons.

Fr. Yaro also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures to engage in constructive dialogue to restore peace in southern Taraba.

Church Warns of International Appeal

The clergy warned that if the state fails to guarantee security, the church may seek help from the international community.

Despite the grim situation, Fr. Yaro reaffirmed the church’s commitment to spiritual support for the government and security agencies in their efforts to restore peace.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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