50 killed as fresh violence erupts in Taraba state

A fresh communal clashes erupted on Saturday in Karim Lamido Local Government in Taraba State, with at least 50 people reportedly killed and several houses set ablaze, while as at the time of filing this report a  joint security team of military and police personnel are already in the area to restore order

Penpushing reports that witnesses confirmed the incident, but Taraba State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi as at the time of this report said the number of casualties cannot yet be ascertained due to the inaccessibility of the terrain.

The police spokesperson explained that the new crisis between the Wurkuns and the Karimjos started around 3 a.m. as guerilla attacks, adding that in the last few days, there have been pockets of guerilla attacks in some communities

‘In the last few days, there have been pockets of guerilla attacks in some communities in the area whereby the Karimjos attack the Wurkuns, and the Wurkuns also attack in return, or the Wurkuns attack the Karimjos, and they also attack in return’, he said.

Penpushing further reports that the latest violence leading to killings and destruction of properties, is coming barely a week after Governor Agbu Kefas of the state, met with traditional rulers and heads of security agencies on the need to foster peace.

The Governor , it is recalled was quoted saying that Taraba State, like many parts of  great nation, has been grappling with the scourge of insecurity, noting that the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts have caused immense pain and sufferings to the people.

‘The loss of innocent lives, displacement of communities and destruction of properties have cast a dark cloud over our once peaceful state. Our collective responsibility is to confront these challenges head-on and restore peace and security to our state’, he stated.

“In the face of such adversities, unity and collaboration becomes paramount. We must set aside our differences to embrace dialogue and work together to find a lasting solution’, the Governor had said at the meeting.

‘Your Royal Highnesses, I implore you to harness your influence, bring your communities together, and foster an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation; by fostering peace at the grassroots, or at the grassroots level, you can pave the way for a harmonious and prosperous state as I said earlier, as the custodians of our traditions and culture, you possess a unique power to shape the hearts and minds of our people’, he emphasised.

‘It is in this regard that I urge you to utilise the power to promote peace, discourage violence, and encourage youth engagement in productive activities, by leading by example and promoting the values of tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence; we can create a society where every citizen can feel secure, and go about their productive endeavours’ he appealed.

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]