- 103 denominational churches across Donga and Takum LGAs have been forced to close
- Attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands of Christian farmers from their homesteads
- CAN may organise protests to draw national and international attention if killings persist
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, has condemned the persistent spilling of blood in the state, urging the government to expedite in bringing the situation under control.
This charge was contained in a recent statement by the CAN Chairman, Taraba State branch, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, who also doubles as the Vicar General (Administration) of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo.
The condemnation came on the heels of violent attacks on various communities in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas of the State, which led to the death of not less than 25 persons in just two days.
“CAN reiterates that the persistent loss of innocent lives is unacceptable,” Fr. Dr. Awoshiri, who is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Taraba State University, underscored.
CAN lamented that 103 denominational churches across Donga and Takum LGAs have been forced to close due to the precarious security situation.
The Christian body decried that these attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, mainly Christian farmers, out of their homesteads, who have taken refuge at the adjoining towns of Peva and Amadu in Takum LGA.
The Chairman further warned that if the security situation does not improve, the Christian body would take to the streets in protest.
In part, the statement read, “Should urgent and decisive steps not be taken to halt the killings and protect vulnerable communities in the coming days, the Association may be left with no option but to organise a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the national and international community to the ongoing killings in the area.”
Known for his pastoral leadership, interdenominational unity and peace-building roles within Taraba State, Fr. Dr. Awhoshiri launched a book titled “Transformative Servant Leadership: A Johannie Paradigm” to mark his silver jubilee celebration of ordination to Catholic Priesthood on 21 November 2025 at an occasion that attracted 4 Catholic Bishops, top government officials, traditional rulers and people from all walks of life.
Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Charles Hammawa (LR), Bishop of Wukari Most Rev. Mark Nzukwein, the celebrant, Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama and Bishop of Yola, Most Rev. Stephen Dami, during the 21 November 2025 book launch
Following his election on 22 May and inauguration on 11 August 2025, Dr. Awhoshiri, alongside the newly elected Executive CAN, Taraba State Chapter, pledged commitment to ensuring peace and unity in the state during a courtesy call on the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Taraba State, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke
Fr. Muke stated that I “I had the honour of receiving” the executives “in my office” further detailed that “Our discussion was fruitful as we reflected on the vital role of CAN in fostering unity among Christians, promoting peace, and advancing moral values in our State.”
During the 12 August visit, he urged “them to remain steadfast, visionary, and prayerful in carrying out this sacred responsibility.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religion Matters, who welcomed them “on behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas…assured them of the government’s support in our shared mission of building a peaceful and God-fearing society.”
Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of Unitatis Media, Catholic Diocese of Jalingo.
