UPDATED: Fulani Herdsmen Dressed In Army Uniform Killed 15 Villagers In Taraba
Fifteen people were killed and eighteen others injured in Nwokyo, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State yesterday following another attack by Fulani herdsmen reportedly dressed in army uniform.
A security officer claimed that the killings occurred in Nwunkyo-Kura, where 8 people were killed, and Wukari town where 7 died.
The source further disclosed that the clashes led to the imposition of a 24-hour curfew following consultations between the state government and security agencies operating in Taraba State
The attack in Nwokyo village of Wukari Local Government Council has also led to massive destruction of property including the only Millennium Development Goals (MDG) project in the village as well as worship centres.
On the average 40 houses were burnt, property worth millions of naira was destroyed.
According to witnesses, invading herdsmen were dressed in military uniform and were over 300.
"The herdsmen who were dressed in military uniforms caught the villagers unaware.
Some were burnt beyond recognitions in their houses," said a villager.
"An MDG Hospital in the area was razed down as health workers were attending to patients," another eyewitness said.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the disturbances.
"It had been confirmed that there is crisis there but as for now, we do not have full information on the numbers of casualties and the numbers wounded.
As I am talking to you now, we have already drafted our men to the area," Kwaji added that security personnel had been drafted to the area.
It was noted that the marauders came from neighbouring Plateau State.
The reaction to the incident
The former governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said:
“In some states when there is crisis, government visits affected areas and gives relief materials to survivors.
But in Taraba, the government has not deemed it fit to visit these areas.
It is the responsibility of government to protect lives and property so that people can live with each other peacefully.
No house is standing there now. It is unfortunate that lives are no longer valued in Nigeria.
Now, there is no difference between us and Somalia. The government must take the issue of security very serious.
Members of the House of Assembly and National Assembly from Taraba must do something to end the attacks because the people they claim to be representing are being killed daily.”
Source: Legit.ng
