Local residents of Murbai, Kisbap, Sembe, and Yawai – Abbare villages of Ardo-Kola and Jalingo Local Government Areas in Taraba State on Wednesday said eleven people were killed and scores injured when armed Fulani gunmen invaded their villages.
The villages are located on the outskirts of Jalingo the state capital.
One of the residents, Hon. Cyprian Kamai said the trouble started four days ago at Yawai village when a Fulani herdsman invaded the farm of one of the locals and in an attempt to stop his cows the herdsman stabbed him with a matchet.
According to him, efforts by the community leaders to address the issue failed as the Fulani herdsmen mobilised and attacked Murbai, Kisbap and other villages leaving several people dead.
Kamai who said hundreds of the displaced persons were taking refuge in Kona village and Nunkai Primary School in Jalingo called on security agencies to deploy officers in the area.
Those displaced need humanitarian assistance and I want to call on the government to provide relief materials to the IDPs.”
Mrs. Rebecca Awoshiri told our correspondent at Nukkai IDP Camp that five people were killed at Murbai while six were killed at Sembe village.
But the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP. David Misal, who confirmed the attack said six people were killed and scores displaced in the attacks which began on Monday.
“One person was killed on Monday when the crisis started and yesterday five more corpses were recovered.
“We have already deployed enough security personnel in the area and as we speak, the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, Mr. Faleye Olaleye, is on the ground with the personnel to ensure the restoration of peace in the area,” he said.
Taraba State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alh. Mohammed Sahabi told our correspondent that he was just coming into Jalingo from a journey and will speak on the issue when he receives a briefing from the Jalingo Local Government Chairman of the association. – Punch.
