One killed, nine houses burnt as militia attacks returning IDPs in Taraba

Militia suspected to be Jukun Youth, on Friday attacked and killed one returning Internally Displaced Person (IDP), and burnt down 9 houses in Tse Ajogo village of Wukari LGA in Taraba state.

Nigerian Tribune reports that, Tse Ajogo is a village located 4 kilometers away from Rafin Kada town in Wukari LGA of Taraba.

Eye witnesses, Aondowase Torna and Shimakaa Akor, who narrowly escaped death, told our correspondent that the attackers invaded the village around 6 am and started shooting at anyone on sight, while Terkimbi Joo was killed during the attack.

It was also reported that three women, Mbalamen Iorkyaa, Doofan Akase, and Ngodoo Mkavga, were captured along with a 70-year-old man, Tyokyaa Orkwaar, but later released by the militia after beating and collecting their phones and cash.

“The attackers invaded our village located 4 kilometers away from Rafin Kada town in Wukari LGA of Taraba, and killed Terkimbi Joo. They burnt 9 houses and went away with three women and a 70-year-old man, but later released them”. Aondowase Torna and Shimakaa Akor narrated.

“The attackers, led by Mr. Magai Bako Tsukwa, a popular Jukun Youth leader, invaded our village this morning and took us to the bush after killing Terkimbi Joo. They beat us, collected our phones and cash in our position, and released us to go.

“Magai Bako Tsukwa told us never to return to the area, as he will keep vigil, and kill anyone he sees around the area. Tsukwa is a known Jukun Youth who also knows us by names”. The surviving women 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, Taraba state police command, through the PPRO, Lashen James, and the Wukari LGA council chairman, Hon Dauda Samaila did not respond to calls put to their mobile phone lines for confirmation of the attack after several hours.

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