TAKUM/MAKURDI — In a coordinated and brutal campaign of violence that has left the North-Central region in mourning, armed terrorists—identified by locals as Fulani ethnic militia—reportedly launched simultaneous attacks on seven major churches across Takum and neighboring Benue communities on the night of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Survivors described a night of horror that lasted several hours, with the attackers operating with “chilling impunity.” Despite the proximity of security formations, residents claim that no military or police intervention arrived until the attackers had completed their mission and vanished into the surrounding forests.
The Hit List: Houses of Worship Targeted
The communities have identified the following seven churches as the primary targets of the coordinated raids:
- Living Faith Church, Barki.
- NKST Church, Tsehe.
- Roman Catholic Church, Ikyaaior (Mbajir).
- St Paul Parish, Adu.
- St James Catholic Church, Mbateto.
- Living Faith Church, Tyobaa.
- Living Faith Church, Ayiase.
‘We Are Alone’ — The Governance Gap
The attacks have reignited a fierce national debate over the “Regime Security” culture recently decried by former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. While the administration recently invested $9 million in Washington lobbyists to counter reports of religious persecution, the reality on the ground remains a “killing field,” according to community leaders.
The tragedy follows a grim pattern of recent violence:
- The Benue Toll: Reports indicate that over 300 Christians were butchered in just 72 hours across Benue and Katsina, even as US advocate Judd Saul slammed the First Lady for “parading” in D.C. while the blood flows.
- The Kwara Massacre: Only days ago, 170 people were killed in a similar raid in Kwara State, where a village leader lamented losing count of Christians burnt alive inside a church.
Technological Injustice
The community’s outcry coincides with the national protest at the National Assembly, where Peter Obi and activists are demanding Electoral Act reforms.
- The Contrast: Protesters have asked why bandits can livestream their victims from the forest while the government claims it cannot transmit a vote.
- Selective Spending: Critics like Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim have questioned why the Ministry of Health received only ₦36 million for its entire 2025 capital projects while the elite debate spending over ₦127 million on a single SUV.
Next Steps for Security
As of Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not issued a specific statement on the church raids, though it recently reported neutralising 30 terrorists elsewhere.
For the people of the Middle Belt, the “current reality” is a harrowing existence where petrol is nearing ₦1,000 and the only “safety” comes from sackcloth curses and the desperate hope for international intervention.
