8 Fatalities Reported In Suspected Herdsmen Attack In Taraba State

In a devastating incident, at least eight individuals have lost their lives in a suspected herdsmen attack on Jenuwa Nyifiye community in the Takum local government area of Taraba State.

The assault took place on Sunday, July 2, 2023, with the assailants numbering over 300 and reportedly facing no resistance from security forces.

The traditional ruler of Jenuwa Gida Nyifiye, HRH Kwe Godson Danlami Wasa, confirmed the tragic incident to the Nigerian Tribune.

According to Chief Danlami, the attackers launched their assault on the community, situated in close proximity to the Army 93 Ada barracks in Takum, resulting in the loss of eight lives. The assailants also set numerous houses ablaze during their rampage.

Chief Danlami further revealed that the attack occurred when many villagers had returned from their farming activities. He expressed his disappointment at the local vigilantes’ inability to repel the heavily armed herdsmen due to the superior firepower they possessed. Despite the community’s close proximity to the Army barracks, no intervention was observed from the soldiers stationed there.

The traditional ruler shared the grim details of the attack, stating, “Some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition. The attackers freely burned our houses without facing any challenge from the security forces.”

He also mentioned that the same herdsmen had previously targeted and killed numerous individuals in the Mbiya, Tamiya, and Faenta communities on the same day. These bandits reportedly maintain several camps within and around Takum, operating with impunity.

Chief Danlami highlighted the dire situation faced by the Kuteb ethnic group, to which the affected communities belong. He recounted the alarming statistics, revealing, “Between January 2022 and now, these bandits have killed over 200 of our people, with over 3,000 houses destroyed, and over 10,000 members of the Kuteb ethnic group displaced.”

In response to the tragic incident, the traditional ruler called upon the federal government and Governor Agbu Kefas to intensify their efforts in bringing an end to these unprovoked attacks and the continuous loss of lives among the Kuteb people.

Confirming the incident, the Taraba State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Usman Abdullahi, acknowledged the attack but provided a lower figure for the number of casualties. DSP Abdullahi stated that three individuals lost their lives during the assault.