’25 killed’ in fresh ‘herdsmen’ attack in Taraba, as gun men hit Zamafara

At least 25 persons have been killed in fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen in Jandeikyula village of Wukari local government area of Taraba state.

Similarly, suspected bandits on Wednesday attacked two villages in Anka local government area of Zamfara state, killing some people.

Witnesses told news men that the suspects stormed Jandeikyula village around 7pm on Wednesday.

A resident who identified himself as Victor said that the attackers who were over 200 took the villagers unaware.

He added that many houses were set ablaze in the attack.

Adi Grace, chairman of the local government, confirmed the attack to reporters but said he could not give casualty figures.

“Many people were killed in the attack. As I am speaking with you now, I don’t have the casualty figure until when I am back from the village because I am on my way there now,” he said.

Commenting on the attack, Luka Agbo, former chairman of the Wukari Youths of Vision, said: “It is true that Jandeikyula village was attacked night and from the reports we are getting, over thirty people were killed.”

“The series of attacks in the state now make us to be living in fear because we can no longer go to bed with our two eyes closed.”

David Misal, spokesman of the police in the state, also confirmed the attack but could not give details.

“We are aware that an attack took place yesterday (Wednesday) at Jandeikyula village in Wukari local government,” he said.

“As for the numbers of casualties, the information available to the command is still very sketchy. I hope to get back to you as soon as the actual details of the attack get to my desk.”

Taraba is one of the states affected by clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

In a related development unknown gun men again attacked two villages in Anka Local government killing scores of people.

The suspects attacked a mining site at Kuru-kuru village and also ambushed some people from the neighbouring Jarkuka village as they mobilised to bring help to Kuru-kuru.

Sadi Musa, a witness, said scores of people were killed at the mining site on Wednesday evening which forced the miners to flee for safety.

Musa said when residents from the nearby Jarkuka came later to join the Kuru-kuru survivors in burying the dead, the gunmen attacked again, and killed more people.

Confirming the incident, Mohammed Shehu, police public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, said, “we are aware of the attack but I cannot give you details now until my commissioner is fully briefed’’.

The bandits had attacked Bawan Daji village in the same Anka local government area two weeks ago and killed over 30 people.

They returned the following day and killed mourners at a graveyard.

This led to the deployment of air force and army personnel to the area to contain the situation.

The soldiers had since swung into action and killed several bandits.