Taraba: 6 killed as death toll rises to 17

No fewer than six persons have been confirmed killed in a fresh attack on Taraba communities.

Death toll which started on Friday, has now risen to 17 with over one thousand houses burnt.

The affected communities are Maigoge and Maihula in Bali Local Government Area and Ananum and Akate communities in Donga Local Government Area of the state.

Residents who spoke to Sunday Tribune said four people were killed in Maigoge and two in Akete villages in Bali and Donga respectively.

Pastor Othaniel Amah, whose house was burnt in the attack at Maihula, told Sunday Tribune that many houses were burnt in the attack.

“My family narrowly escaped death but the entire village has been razed. All our belongings have been burnt in the attack suspected to be a combined one between Jibawa and Jukun militia against the Tivs.

“We are calling on the security agencies to stop the escalation of the attacks as lives and properties are being wasted,” he said.

Caretaker chairman of Bali Local Government Council, Hon. Mahmud Musa, confirmed the attack, saying that six houses were burnt in the attack which happened on Saturday morning.

The council boss, while calling for a ceasefire between the warring tribes, disclosed that an 11-man peace and reconciliation committee has been set up to ensure the return of peace in the area.

“We just finished security meeting where all the stakeholders have agreed to work towards peace.

“But the only thing that will calm the situation now is the deployment of security. We have deployed Civil Defense personnel to Maigoge but we need more security.

“I have communicated the deputy governor, Mr. Haruna Manu, on the need for the deployment of security and we do hope he will do the needful,” he said.

Mr Yakubu Ali, a resident of Akate, said two persons were killed at Tse Mende and Iornem villages very close to Akate in Donga Local Government Area.

Ali said gunmen in their numbers also attacked Ananum village and burnt the remaining structures still standing after the first attack on the village last month.

Hon. Nashuka Ipeyen, caretaker chairman of Donga Local Government Area also confirmed the attacks

Meanwhile, Police public Relations Officer, David Misal did not pick calls made to his cell phone to confirm the killings in the state as at the time of filing this report.

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