TARABA: 20 feared dead, 20 cows stolen in fresh outbreak of violence

A fresh outbreak of ethnic violence on the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, has witnessed the killing of no less than 20 persons and the stealing of as much as 300 cows.

According to a resident of the area identified as Saadu Magoggo who fled during the incident, his house was burnt down, two of his brothers were killed and their cattle rustled by the assailants whom he identified as members of the Mambilla Militia.

Reacting to the attack, Magoggo said; “As I speak with you, we are yet to bury their corpses. The ethnic militias attacked our residence in Leme, where they killed our father last month. During this attack, the Mambillas took away over 100 cows.

“My two younger brothers reported the matter to a nearby military base and a soldier was attached as escort to retrieve the stolen cows. Unfortunately, in the process, my younger brothers were both killed while the soldier fled with injury.”

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Another resident of the area who spoke from hiding and identified himself as Abdu Gagarau said: “The burning and killing by herdsmen continued till early this morning (yesterday).

“Since last Thursday they have been attacking our settlements and over 20 people killed. Some were buried and over 300 cattle stolen by the militias.

“The Mambila ethnic group is known for attacking other tribes. They attacked the Panso in 1982, the Fulani in 2002 and in 2017. When eventually we retaliate, the normal shouts of herdsmen will start. Let government be proactive and come to our rescue,” he added.
At least five people were killed last Thursday, and several others injured during attacks on communities in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, according to police.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), David Misal, had said on Saturday that the crisis erupted in Nyiwa and Yerimaru areas as a result of a misunderstanding between a farmer and a herder.

He said units of mobile policemen and soldiers from the 20 battalion in Serti were deployed to the area to maintain law and order.

Misal has assured then, that the situation, which led to the burning of several homes and killing of many cows, had been brought under control.

 

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