No fewer than twenty persons have been feared dead and scores of others injured in Tunari Village of Wukari Local Council of Taraba State as a result of killings and burning of several houses, which took place at about 10:00 a.m. yesterday.
The attack was said to have allegedly been carried out by Fulani herdsmen, whom The Guardian learnt, invaded the village from the neighbouring Plateau State.
Speaking with The Guardian on the incident, President of the Youth of Vision, Wukari, Mr. Tsa-asen L. Agbu, said the attackers struck at about 10:00 a.m. when several occupants of the village went for Sunday service.
He alleged that both the present leadership of the state and top security personnel were aware of the incessant attacks but did not respond to the situation.
Agbu said: “They are burning down houses and killing our Jukun Christian brothers. They slaughtered children and women like rams. As I am talking with you right now, over 20 people have been killed, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries as well as several houses burnt to ashes.”
Another eyewitness, who claimed to have narrowly escaped from the attacked area, told The Guardian: “The people (attackers) operated for several hours killing and burning down houses without no trace of security men to come to our rescue.
“These people took us unaware, and I believed they came from the nearby Plateau State. I think the level of damages would have been worst but for the fact that many of our people had gone to church.”
Also, a pastor of one of the churches, who spoke with our reporter on phone, admonished President Jonathan to be pro-active, especially in regards to what is going on in Taraba State.
Noting that the death toll is “more than twenty” he collaborated the fact that mostly affected are women and children who according to “were attacked on their way to their various churches.”
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, agreed that there was an attack but could not confirm the number of casualties, saying that the authentic figures were yet to be made available to the command.
According to him: “Tunari Village in Wukari Local Council was attacked this morning by the Fulani people” and our men have been drafted there to restore peace.” The Guardian
