73 killed, 50 villages burnt as Taraba boils again

At least 73 persons have been killed and 50 villages burnt following a renewed violence between the Hausa-Fulani and Yandang communities in Lau local government area of Taraba state.

Sahabi Mahmoud, state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), told journalists on Friday that the hostilities, which started on July 5, has claimed the lives of more than 23 of his members.

He said over 3,000 displaced Hausa-Fulani, mainly women and children, who fled the area, are currently taking refuge at the Muslim Council Secretariat in Jalingo and other neighbouring local government areas.

Mahmoud lamented that it was “unfortunate” that since the displaced persons arrived the Muslim Council in Jalingo, no government official had visited the camp or provided any relief material to the victims.

On his part, Aaron Artimas, an elder of the Yandang community, said more than 50 persons from the side of the Yandang and other tribes in area were confirmed dead as a result of the conflicts.

Artimas said the Hausa-Fulanis, Yandang, Mumuye and Yoti, among other tribes, had lived in the area as brothers and sisters without problems for centuries.

He blamed the recent recurring conflicts on incitement from people outside the area who wanted to remain relevant politically.

“Some militia from neighbouring Adamawa State have infiltrated into Babagasa, a border village between Taraba and Adamawa, and have been wreaking havoc on all the surrounding villages in Lau local government in Taraba,” he said.

“Villages such as Tikule, Bariki, Santuraki, Budong, Mbonding and Panti-Ladda, among others, were burnt by the militia.

“Over 2,000 displaced persons from the affected villages are currently taking refuge at the Central Primary School, Jalingo.

“Some are in other villages like Sunkani, Apawa, Zing and Bali all in Taraba, while several others fled to Gorobi, Sabon-Gida, Bujum and Mayo-Belwa in Adamawa State.

“Since the arrival of IDPs in their current locations, they have been living at the mercy of God and good spirited individuals who have been taking food to them. As I speak with you now, since the conflicts erupted in Lau Local Government on July 5, there is no presence of security while the people continue to kill themselves.”

However, David Misal, spokesman of Taraba police command, confirmed the incident but said the number of casualties was still being compiled, while normalcy had been restored in the affected areas.

Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustration