15 Killed in Mambilla

The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed that five people were killed and several others injured in fresh attacks on Fulani communities by suspected Mambilla militia in the Sardauna Local Government Area of the state.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday that the crisis erupted in the Nyiwa and Yerimaru areas on Thursday as a result of a misunderstanding between a farmer and a herder.

He said units of mobile policemen and soldiers from the 20 battalion in Serti had been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Misal added that the situation, which led to the burning of several homes and killing of many cows, had been brought under control.

A victim of the attack, Abubakar Ardo, who escaped with his family, told NAN in Gembu that the attacks started at midday on Thursday and most of the killings occurred in the night.

He said almost all houses in about 15 Fulani communities were torched by the assailants.

According to Ardo, the timely arrival of the army and police prevented further killings and destruction of property.

He added that about 15 people were killed during the attack on Thursday evening, adding that five of those killed were buried in Gembu on Friday.

Ardo also confirmed that security personnel had been drafted to the trouble areas, leading to the restoration of peace.

He called on the state government and security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others.