Two Farmers, 3 Others Killed As Militias Attack Taraba Communities

No fewer than five persons have been confirmed killed in attacks that occurred on Wednesday in two separate communities in Taraba State.

The attacks took place in Gashaka and Wukari local government councils.

While that of Gashaka that led to the killing of three persons occurred in Mayo-Sabere in Mai-Idanu ward, the Wukari incident which claimed two farmers, took place in the Rafin-Kada community.

Those killed in Gashaka are Mallam Adamu Yahya, 70, Abdu Yahaya, 52 and Nuhu Yahya, 42.

The identities of the two farmers could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

Confirming the incident, Wukari council chairman, Ismaila Dauda, said the attack on the farmers was carried out by Tiv militias.

“It is true; two persons were killed while working in their farms by Tiv militias. I pray God Almighty will grant them eternal rest and comfort us all in Jesus’ name,” he stated.

While urging the people of the community to distance themselves from acts that would lead to reprisal attacks, the leadership of the council in collaboration with the security operatives, he said, were working round the clock to track down the militias.

“May I seize this opportunity to appeal to all the good people of Wukari not to take laws into their hands and allow the security agencies to investigate this issue and come up with their findings,” he begged.

Sources from Gashaka council, said apart from the three persons killed, several people also sustained various degrees of injuries.

They also blamed the rangers of the Gumti National Park for the attack in Gashaka.

Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Kwache confirmed the incidents.

“It was confirmed that two persons were killed in Wukari and three in Gashaka,” he disclosed.

The cases, according to her, “are still under investigation and efforts are on top gear to apprehend the culprits.”