Youths from Bandawa, Munga Doso, Ngurore-Jebu and Munga communities in Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba State have called on Governor Agbu Kefas to visit the communities following the recent attacks and killings by suspected herdsmen.
The chairman of the youths group, Mr. Suleiman Joel and his secretary, Mr. Ishaya Peter who made the demand while briefing journalists in Jalingo on Thursday, said the herders attacked the villages where they destroyed crops worth million of naira and killed 15 people.
According to the youths, those killed in the attacks include women and children, while over 20 other residents sustained varying degrees of injuries.
They said the attacks have not only resulted in the tragic loss of lives, but also caused widespread displacement, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
“The destruction of farmland, a major source of livelihood for the people in these communities has further compounded the suffering, leaving many at the brink of hunger and economic hardship.
“In light of these developments, we urgently call on His Excellency, Governor Agbu Kefas, to take immediate and decisive action by setting up a high-powered investigative committee to unravel both 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 personally assess the extent of destruction, 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 miles to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice,” they stated.
The group also demanded increased deployment of security operatives to the affected and surrounding areas as imperative measure to prevent further bloodshed and to restore peace and confidence among the people.
The youths further appealed for 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.
