10 Die, 80 Houses Torched In Fresh Taraba Violence

No fewer than 10 people have been killed and several houses burnt in fresh violence that erupted, yesterday, in Taraba State, witnesses say. However, police said six people died in the clashes between the Fulani and Mummuye ethnic groups in Lau Local Government Area of the state.



Since last Friday, there have been pockets of violence and reprisal attacks in some communities in the area. Between Friday and Saturday, eight persons were reportedly killed during communal clashes between the Mummuye and the Fulani communities of Lushi, Sakuwa, Hore Ladde and Garin Dogo.

Locals say yesterday’s violence started around 2 a.m. when a village, named Bonja, and Mayo-Kunga belonging to Fulani ethnic group, were attacked by suspected Mummuye youths. The attack on the Mayo-Kunga village led to reprisals attacks on neighbouring communities.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Taraba State, David Misal, said only six people were killed in the conflict. According to him, “since the Friday attack between the Fulani herdsmen and Mummuye farmers in Lushi, there have been reprisal attacks. “For now six, persons were confirmed killed on both sides, while several others have been arrested.” Mr. Misal, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, also confirmed that 80 houses had been torched.