10 feared dead as violence erupts in Taraba

 

According to the police six people died in the clashes between the Fulani and Mummuye ethnic groups in Lau local government area of the state.

Locals say Tuesday’s violence started around 2 a.m. when a village, named Bonja, and Mayo-Kunga belonging to Fulani ethnic group, was attacked by suspected Mummuye youth.

The attack on the Mayo-Kunga village led to reprisals attacks on neighbouring communities.

David Misal, the police Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Taraba state, said only six people were killed and 80 houses were torched in the conflict.

He said: “Since the Friday attack between the Fulani herdsmen and Mummuye farmers in Lushi, there have been reprisal attacks.

‘’ For now six persons were confirmed killed on both sides while several others have been arrested.”

The latest killings and destruction of properties, including farmlands and domestic animals, is coming barely a week after the state governor, Darius Ishaku, was quoted in the media as urging Christians across the country to rise up and defend themselves against terrorists before they are annihilated.

The governor made the call in Jalingo during a thanksgiving service organised by the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) to celebrate new year and to pray for victims of Southern Kaduna massacre and other victims of terrorism across the country said.