Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
The Chairman of Ussa Local Government Council in Taraba State, Hon. Rimansikwe Karma, on Wednesday confirmed the killing of nine persons in an early morning militia herdsmen attack on Tutuwa community.
Karma told our correspondent on phone that the attackers surrounded the village at about 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, launching the deadly attack when members of the community were going for an early prayer, killing nine and injuring three.
“Every Wednesday morning, the community conducts a mid week service, and most of them were on their way to the Church in the morning when the armed Fulani militia attacked them,” said Karma narrating the incident.
“Nine persons were killed and three others sustained life threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Takum General Hospital.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Aliyu Tafida and heads of other security agencies are on ground in Ussa local government to assess the security situation.
“But unfortunately, the attackers left before the arrival of the security agencies,” the local leader said.
Mr Ure Caleb, who hails from Kwesati District where the herdsmen attack happened, told journalists that two of his relations are missing following the raid.
While lamenting the incident, Ure, a youth leader, called on security agencies to go after the attackers who he said may not be too far from the area.
Police Public Relations Officer Taraba State Police Command ASP David Missal, who also confirmed the killings, said the Deputy Commissioner of Police had led a team of mobile and conventional police officers to the area.
Missal, who said no arrests have been made, explained that the team will remain in the area to prevent further attacks and also make efforts to improve security.
The incident is coming barely three days after State Governor Darius Ishaku disputed President Buhari’s claim that Fulani herdsmen don’t bear arms, insisting that herdsmen in the State do go about with AK-47 rifles.