From Joseph Asegba, Yola
Over six persons were reportedly feared death and dozens were injured as suspected Fulani herdsmen launched an attack on some villages in Maraba Azagwa and Alele all of Maihula, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Sources from the village disclosed that Fulani herdsman influenced by dangerous drugs taken at the Maihula village market, eventually died on the way while struggling to get back to his abode. The relatives of the deceased who later recovered his corps, accused the villagers of being responsible for the death of their brother.
The source alleged that the brother of the deceased mobilized and swiftly embarked on the bloody attack which claimed six lives and left several other persons excruciating in different degrees of injury.
The Tiv Traditional chairman of Taraba State, Mr Zaki David Gbaa, in a phone interview, identified the following victims, Aondohemba Salemkaan, Tersuugh Dondo, Terkuma Mbatim, Kumaga Ujam Asaaga Nev and Tersoo Memga were killed in the unfortunate incident.
Zaki David Gbaa who lauded the security operatives for 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 since all of them lived 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 since life is not as easy as it used to be.
“The death of these persons is pathetic 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, Gbaa said.
Restates that, “I want to tell you that nobody envisages 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 believe 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.
According to Adega, “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 to the other victims. If the government will come to our aid, it will alleviate much of our fears”.
He also revealed 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
However, efforts to reach out to the chairman of Bali Local Government Area, Hon Aboki Dauda Dakka all his lines were switched off at the time of press.
The Taraba State Police Command spokesman, DSP Gambo Kwache, confirmed the attack in a telephone interview and said only two corps were recovered by the police
He noted that no arrest has so far been made but security operatives had combed the area and “efforts are on top gear to bring the culprits to book,”
