Taraba Youths Urge Kefas To Visit Communities As Herders Kill 15

Taraba Youths from Bandawa, Munga Doso, Ngurore-Jebu and Munga communities in Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba state have called on the Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, to visit the communities following the recent attacks and killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The chairman of the youths group, Mr. Suleiman Joel, and his secretary, Mr. Ishaya Peter, while briefing journalists in Jalingo on Thursday, said the herders attacked the villages, destroyed crops worth millions of naira, and killed 15 people, including women and children. In contrast, over 20 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

He said the attacks have not only resulted in the tragic loss of lives but have also caused widespread displacement, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

“The destruction of farmland, a significant source of livelihood for the people in these communities, has further compounded the suffering, leaving many on the brink of hunger and economic hardship.

“In light of these developments, we would like to urgently call on His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, to take immediate and decisive action by setting up a high-powered investigative committee to unravel the remote and immediate causes of these violent clashes.

“Such a committee must include representatives from affected communities, security agencies, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough, impartial, and credible process.

“We also strongly urge the state government to pay an on-the-ground visit to the affected communities to assess the extent of destruction personally, commiserate with the victims, and reinforce the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of their location.

“Furthermore, we call on the relevant security agencies to go the extra legitimate mile to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice. Increased deployment of security operatives to the affected and surrounding areas is imperative to prevent further bloodshed and to restore peace and confidence among the people.

The youths further appeal for the immediate delivery of relief materials, including food, medical supplies, and shelter, to affected persons to alleviate the untold hardship the violence has unleashed upon them.