Women and children have reportedly fled into the bush for safety following an attack by suspected armed herders on Chanchanji community in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The attack, reportedly launched on Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026, threw residents into panic as heavy gunshots echoed across different parts of the community.
According to reports residents said the attackers invaded the area and began shooting sporadically, forcing many families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in nearby bushes.
A resident, who raised the alarm in a distress message, described the situation as frightening, saying gunshots could be heard across the community.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties and the extent of damage caused by the attack had not been confirmed.
Residents also expressed concern over the reported absence of police officers and other security personnel during the incident, leaving community members to flee without immediate protection.
Chanchanji Ward and neighbouring communities in Taraba State have reportedly experienced repeated attacks over the past year, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
Reports indicate that more than 90,000 people have been displaced from affected communities, including Adu, Demeva, New-Gboko and Peva-Chanchanji.
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Some schools in the affected areas have reportedly been converted into camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), highlighting the growing humanitarian challenges facing residents.
The community also suffered a major tragedy in July 2024 when the Chief of Chanchanji, HRH Tanimu Kunbiya, and his son were killed along the Takum-Chanchanji road.
Although troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, operating under Operation Whirl Stroke, have reportedly foiled several planned attacks in the area in recent months, residents continue to call for stronger and more sustained security measures.
Following the latest incident, residents have appealed to the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently deploy personnel to Chanchanji and surrounding communities.
Community leaders have previously called for the full deployment of officers to a newly constructed police station in Chanchanji, which they said was yet to be adequately staffed.
Residents are demanding immediate intervention to protect lives and property, prevent further attacks and stop more families from being displaced.
The latest attack has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities in Taraba State and the urgent need for effective security measures to restore peace and enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
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