Nigeria: Wukari Diocese facing violence, devastation and humanitarian crisis calls for action

Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS – Vatican City

The Catholic Diocese of Wukari is grappling with one of the worst waves of violence in its recent history. In a statement issued after the diocese’s third General Assembly, Bishop Mark Maigida Nzukwein revealed the devastating toll that the attack had taken on both the Church and local communities.

Heavy spiritual and human losses

“Since September, over 98,000 people, including 16 priests, have been displaced due to the ongoing violence in the southern part of Taraba State,” stated Bishop Nzukwein.

He added that 217 Churches have been completely destroyed, while the parish houses of eight priests were ransacked during the attacks. The violence has also claimed the lives of more than 100 people.

Among the churches recently attacked is Saint James the Great Catholic Church, which was attacked in March. Before that, on 4 March , a fire severely damaged the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, further deepening the pain and uncertainty facing the Catholic faithful in the region.

The violence has hit hardest in the Chanchanji District of Takum Local Government Area, as well as in Ussa and Donga communities, where many residents have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

Christian farming communities under siege

Local Church leaders and residents believe the attacks are largely being carried out by armed Fulani herding gangs targeting predominantly Christian villages, many of them inhabited by members of the Tiv ethnic group.

According to reports from the diocese, the attackers often destroy homes, churches, and community structures before illegally occupying the abandoned lands. The raids have intensified longstanding tensions over land ownership between the Tiv and Jukun ethnic communities, a conflict that has simmered for generations in Taraba State.

The worsening insecurity has also crippled farming activities, leaving many families without livelihoods and increasing fears of hunger and deeper humanitarian suffering in affected communities.

Appeals for help and protection 

The growing crisis has sparked repeated calls for action from Church leaders. Earlier this year, clergy from the Dioceses of Wukari and Jalingo staged public protests demanding immediate government intervention to end the killings, kidnappings, and destruction of Christian farming communities in southern Taraba.

At the time, the Diocese of Wukari reported that more than 80 people had been killed, over 200 churches and communities destroyed, and more than 90,000 Christians displaced. Nearly three months later, those figures have risen sharply, underscoring what Church leaders describe as the Nigerian authorities' failure to restore peace and security.

For many displaced families, life remains uncertain. Thousands are now living without adequate shelter, food, healthcare, or protection, while worship centres that once served as places of hope and unity lie in ruins.

As violence continues to spread across parts of Taraba State, Church leaders are renewing their plea for urgent intervention to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life.