17 killed, eight injured as militia attack returning IDPs, burnt seven houses in Taraba

Armed men, on Wednesday, attacked and killed 17 returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tse Ajogo village, Wukari local government area of Taraba State.

Eyewitnesses, who narrowly escaped death, told Tribune Online that eight people were also injured in the attack, many others are still missing, and seven houses were burnt down.

Tribune Online reports that the returning IDPs in Tse Ajogo, a village located four kilometres from Rafin Kada town in Wukari LGA, are experiencing their second attack in less than two months.

Eyewitnesses, Bernard Atom Atoo Tyokongu and Mwuese Gesa, told our correspondent that the attackers invaded the village around 6 a.m. and started shooting at people indiscriminately.

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“The attackers invaded our village located four kilometres away from Rafin Kada town in Wukari LGA of Taraba and started shooting at anyone on sight.

“So far, we have discovered 17 of our fellows returning IDPs dead. Many people are still missing. Eight people have been confirmed injured, and we are preparing to take them to a nearby hospital.

“We saw the attackers. They are a combined team of Fulani and the Jukun youths whom we know very well. We know the Jukun boys that came with the Fulanis,” the eyewitnesses narrated.

Mr. Aondowase Tor-Orshi, the Chairman of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Wukari Chapter, also confirmed the attack on the returning Tiv IDPs.

However, the Taraba State Police Command, through the PPRO, Lashen James, did not respond to calls for confirmation of the attack.

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