Taraba gov speaks on fresh crisis, asks security agencies to take charge

Darius Ishaku, governor of Taraba state, has ordered security agencies to restore normalcy in troubled parts of the state.

In a statement on Thursday, Ishaku told the people of Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna local government area to embrace peace.

The statement was signed by Hassan Mijinyawa, chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, and made available to reporters in Jalingo, the state capital.

Ishaku described the fresh outbreak of crisis, which has reportedly led to the deaths of over 100 people and destruction of property worth millions, as “a sad development”.

“I hereby appeal to the people of the state, especially the people living on Mambilla Plateau to eschew violence and live in peace with one another,” he said.

“Security agencies have already been charged to be on top of the situation in order to ensure peace return to the area as soon as possible.”

The renewed crisis erupted on Mambilla Plateau on Monday due to disagreement between two people.

The disagreement escalated and led to killings and destruction of property.

On Tuesday, John Yep, chairman, Sardauna local government council, imposed 24-hour curfew on Gembu, the headquarters of the council.

David Misal, the state police public relations officer (PPRO), told journalists that Yakubu Babas, the police commissioner, had temporarily relocated to Gembu to ensure restoration of peace.

Misal, who confirmed the death of seven persons during the crisis, said three units of mobile police, comprising of 189 operatives, had been deployed to the area to restore peace.