6 Killed As Herders Attack Taraba Community

Six persons, including a 92-year-old man, have been killed, and several others injured by suspected herders.

The hoodlums attacked a farming community at Mararaban Azagwa, Maihura, in Bali local government area.

The attack that occurred yesterday targeted farmers in Mararaban Azagwa and Alele villages.

A resident of the area, Mallam Isah Abdul, told LEADERSHIP that trouble started when a Fulani who was alleged to be drunk and high on drugs was found dead on his way home from Maihura market.

Abdul said, “It is an unfortunate development. The relatives of the deceased, who later recovered his corpse, accused the Tiv villagers where the man died of being responsible for the death of their kinsman.

“There was nothing actually to point to the fact that the man was killed.

He might have probably died from complications arising from the alcohol and the drugs he took.

“But his relatives who suspected the Tiv villagers killed him mobilized and started attacking and killing people,” he said.

The chairman Taraba State Tiv Traditional Council, Zaki David Gbaa, who briefed journalists in Bali on the development, said six people were killed and four others were in critical condition in the hospital.

Gbaa identified those killed as Aondohemba Salemkaan, Tersuugh Dondo, Terkuma Mbatim, Kumaga Ujam Asaaga Nev and Tersoo Memga.

However, the Tiv leader who condemned the attack commended the security agencies for their quick intervention to calm the situation.

He expressed confidence that the attackers would be arrested by security agencies and prosecuted, especially since they all live in the community and could easily be identified.

Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gambo Kwache, who confirmed the attack in a telephone interview, however, said only two corpses were recovered by the police.

He noted that no arrest has been made so far, but security operatives have been combing the area in search of the attackers.