Guardian

THE feud between the Fulani and the Tiv farmers in Takum Local Council of Taraba State raged on yesterday as no fewer than 15 persons, including a policeman were reported killed in a fresh clash.

According to an eyewitness, property worth millions of naira were destroyed by the warring factions in villages, which include Demavaa, Dooshima, Ayu, Agbaaye and New Gboko.

Attempt by the state government to bring the crisis, which has been on for over two months, under control recently led to the arrest and detention of five village heads.

Before they regained freedom, the arrested village heads were charged to ensure peace in their domain alongside security agents at the local council. But the people have refused to sheath their swords and give room for peace to reign.

Confirming the fresh clash, the Police Commissioner, Mamman Sule, through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ibiang

Mbaseki, said, “on receiving the information of the crisis between the Fulani and the farmers, a unit of mobile policemen led by ASP Pius Sunday was deployed to the area.”

The information received by the command, according to him, “was that a large group of Fulani militants putting on police and military uniform had invaded New Gboko in Takum Local Council of Taraba State.” To rescue the inhabitants, the unit of armed mobile policemen proceeded to the village, but met stiff opposition from the Fulani who, according to him, “set the entire village ablaze.”

“They succeeded in killing one police corporal. They were armed with more sophisticated riffles, including AK47 and they were all dressed in military and mobile policemen uniform.” The body of the killed policeman, he said, had been deposited in a morgue.

As at the time of filing in this report, the unabated crisis had compelled the authority to immediately deploy both the military and mobile police personnel to the warring zone.

The PPRO said, “another team of army and police officers has been redeployed for re-enforcement.” Though the police could not ascertain the actual number of death, the PPRO confirmed that several people died.

“We are still trying to confirm the numbers of death,” he said. It was learnt that those who sustained injuries are now receiving medical treatment at various hospitals.

It was also gathered that Katsina-Ala Local Council in Benue State and other neighbouring local councils in Taraba State are presently playing host to many people who fled the warring communities.