A wave of fear and uncertainty has engulfed parts of Taraba State as residents of Chanchanji in Takum Local Government Area and Tor Damisa in Donga Local Government Area flee their homes amid reports of impending militia attacks.
Residents were seen along major roads clutching bags and household items, scrambling for transportation out of their communities. Many described a growing sense of dread fuelled by reports of fresh violence.
The crisis is taking a heavy toll on education. At Regina Packs School in Chanchanji and Holy Copy Schools in Takum, administrators say learning has been severely disrupted.
Mr Simon Avioko and Samuel Ogah confirmed that their schools have become temporary shelters for displaced families fleeing attacks from neighbouring communities.
They noted that many parents have withdrawn their children from school entirely due to insecurity and the collapse of their livelihoods.
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, the Dean of Chanchanji Deanery, Edward Barau, described a community gripped by fear.