Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
No fewer than six persons were reported killed and several others injured as suspected Fulani herdsmen launched attack on villagers in Maraba Azagwa and Alele all of Maihula, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Sources disclosed that a fulani herdsman who was overtaken by the dangerous drugs he took at Maihula, a village market, eventually died on the way while struggling to get back to his abode. The relatives of the deceased who latter recovered his corps, accused the villagers of been responsible for the death of their brother.
They Therefore, mobilized and swiftly embark on the bloody attack which claimed six lives and left several other persons excruciating in different degrees of injury.
The chairman, Taraba State Tiv Traditional Council, Zaki David Gbaa, in a telephone interview, identified Aondohemba Salemkaan, Tersuugh Dondo, Terkuma Mbatim, Kumaga Ujam Asaaga Nev and Tersoo Memga as those killed in the unfortunate incident.
Zaki David Gbaa who lauded the security operatives for their quick intervention to calm the situation, called on the bereaved to leave vengeance to God and the necessary authorities in the state. He expressed confidence that the culprits would eventually be arrested by security agencies and prosecuted, especially that all of them live in the community and could easily be identified by the deceased wives
A brother to one of the victims who was strangled by the assailants, Mr Tarvihi Adega, cried out to the government of the state to come to their aid, especially that life was not as easy as it used to be.
“The death of these persons is parthetic and quite unfortunate. I want to appeal to the state government and spirited individuals to come to the aid of the families of the victims and those receiving treatments in the hospital to make life meaningful for us again
“I want to tell you that nobody envisage this calamity. My brother and the rest of the other victims were completely ignorant of what killed them. They were in their houses relaxing after Sunday service when the attackers came. I believed they all thought it was a usual visit because we relate with each other freely here. That is why you see that all of them were strangled. They were not killed by gunshots.
“My brother has six children who are in school. He sponsors them through his farm produce and you can see that his death has automatically increased my responsibilities. I believe the situation is similar with the other victims. If the government will come to our aid, it will alleviate much of our fears”. Adega lamented.
He further disclosed that the remains of all the victims of the attack were deposited in a mortuary at Maihula, Bali LGA while those injured were receiving treatments in different locations
Though our reporter could not reach out to the chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon Aboki Dauda Dakka as all his lines were switched off up the time of going to press, the State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Gambo Kwache, confirmed the attack on a telephone interview. She however said only two corps were recovered by the police
Gambo noted that no arrest has been made so far but security operatives had comb the area and “efforts are on top gear to bring the culprits to book”.
