Police Dismiss Planned Terrorist Attacks In Taraba, Say No Cause For Alarm

The Taraba State Police Command has debunked a viral video circulating on social media platforms, alleging a planned terrorist attack in parts of the state.

The viral video, which has been in circulation since Friday, alleged that there would be attacks in Takum and Donga local governments on March 23, 2026.

But the command reassured residents that there is no cause for panic.

A press statement issued in Jalingo signed by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Victor Mshelizah, described the purported video as false and fabricated to disturb public peace and security.

The police said they were fully aware of the video and have already taken proactive steps, in collaboration with other security agencies, to assess and address the situation.

The statement noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, has directed “the deployment of operational and intelligence driven security measures across the state to safeguard lives and property and prevent any breach of peace.”

It urged residents of the state, especially people from the said areas to continue their lawful activities without fear, as security operatives have been strategically positioned and surveillance heightened in critical areas.

The command, however, called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements, persons, or objects to the nearest police station or security outlet.

It emphasised that timely and credible information from citizens would enhance swift response by security agencies.

The police also cautioned members of the public against the spread of unverified information capable of inciting fear or panic, and urged residents to only rely on official sources for accurate updates.

The statement, therefore, reaffirmed the commitment of the command to maintaining peace and security, adding that it would continue to work closely with other agencies to ensure the safety of all residents across the state.

The video had raised tension in the southern part of Taraba State especially Donga and Takum local governments with residents fleeing for their safety.

Mr Judd Saul, the executive director of the Ministry Equipping the Persecuted, in the circulated video, was heard saying that, after the Sallah celebration, there would be simultaneous attacks in and around Donga and Takum in Taraba State, and in Kajuru and Kachia local governments of Kaduna State.

Mr Saul had called on citizens to be vigilant and protect themselves against any form of external attacks on their communities.

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that, tension is already high, and the situation is beginning to escalate in parts of the state as residents of Takum and Donga have begun to flee their homes.

It was reported that, suspected Fulani militia invaded Tordamisa community in Donga local government and killed three policemen and the leader of the vigilante group four days ago.

Communities reportedly mentioned as potential targets include New Gboko and Chanchanji in Takum, Tordamisa in Donga local government, largely inhabited by Tiv farming populations.

Mr Saul urged residents to take precautionary measures, alleging that a recent attack in Tor-Damisa, Donga local government, left five people dead.

He added that armed movements had been observed advancing toward vulnerable settlements, with claims of sophisticated weapons in use.

The development has seriously triggered fear, anxiety and tension, with many residents, particularly in Chanchanji, reportedly abandoning their homes in search of safety.

Commenting on the viral video earlier, the Taraba State Police Command assured the public that security agencies were on high alert and taking proactive steps to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The PPRO, ASP Mshelizah, said the command was fully prepared to respond to any threat.