Key Points

• Taraba parish alerts government over herdsmen attacks displacing hundreds.

• Reprisal violence in Kebbi kills at least ten herders.

• Ondo governor vows to block ISWAP threats and protect citizens.

The Holy Family Catholic Parish in Takum, Taraba State, has raised concern over renewed attacks by suspected herders on several communities.

The parish said the violence has destroyed farmlands and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.

In a statement on Monday, the parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. George Dogo, described the situation as both disturbing and heartbreaking. He called on the government to act fast before things get worse.

According to him, the conflict started on September 19 after gunmen attacked security officers in Aye Twar, Benue State. The violence soon spread across the border into parts of Taraba.

Fr. Dogo said armed herders stormed villages such as Dogon Gawa, Tor Gbenger, Jenuwa Nyifiye, and Jenuwa Gaba. They destroyed farms and sent entire families running for safety.

He said two people were critically injured in Asuku and Mbakyula villages, while about 150 residents have been displaced.

Another 200 people fled from Imbor, Mbaaga, Chakera, Hoyo, and other nearby communities after their farmlands were burnt.

Ten killed in Kebbi reprisal attack

In Kebbi State, at least ten herders were killed in a reprisal attack at a Fulani settlement in Tilli community, Bunza Local Government Area.

Residents said the incident began after a vigilante member was killed by suspected Lakurawa bandits. Locals blamed the Fulani residents, sparking a violent response.

A witness said the attack was carried out in error. “They thought the Fulani were behind the vigilante’s killing. Over ten people were killed, many were injured, and several are still missing,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa vows to secure Ondo from ISWAP threats

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has pledged to protect the state from potential attacks by the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).

Speaking in Akure during a meeting with the National Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Abubakar Ahmed, the governor said peace in Ondo remains a top priority.

“My administration will respond swiftly and firmly to any attempt to disturb the state’s peace,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He praised the cooperation among security agencies and promised to keep supporting them with logistics, intelligence, and equipment.

Prof. Ahmed commended the governor’s efforts, saying his support had strengthened coordination among security teams in the state.

Osun warns against politicising security issues

In Osun, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, urged politicians to avoid turning security matters into political debates.

Speaking during the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Osogbo, Alimi said insecurity should unite, not divide, the country.

“Security and governance go together,” he said. “We need to put public safety above political interests.”

He added that cooperation among communities, states, and federal authorities was the only way to build lasting peace and stability across Nigeria.