77 persons killed by fulani herdsmen in a new attack

By Ehi Ekhator

77 people have been reported dead in the crisis between some Fulani herdsmen and the indigenous people of Wukari, Taraba State few days ago.

Clash between Fulani and Tiv in Benue

ASP Joseph Kwaji, the Police Public Relation Officer revealed this during an interview with journalists yesterday in Wukari. He said that 34 people were injured while 99 houses were set ablaze during the crisis.

The District Leader of the Red Cross in the zone, Saidu Aji spoke on the issue, he said that they buried 37 people as soon as they were killed and other 47 were confirmed dead at different hospitals.

He also said that other 40 people were receiving treatment for various level of injuries they had during the fight, saying that the number of the victims were still being collated.

According to him, those with serious issue were taken to the Jalingo Special Hospital while 14 victims were taken to Kwarafa Hospital in the town.

But the traditional ruler of  Wukari, His Royal Highness Shakaru Angyu, while briefing the state’s Acting Governor, alhaji Garba Umar, yesterday, blamed the Fulani for igniting the crisis

He appealed to the Acting Governor to review the 24 hours curfew imposed on the two so that people could go out and buy whatever they want or attend to some things needed outside the house.

Responding to the plea, Umar said the curfew would continue till security agencies assured that there is improvement in the situation.

He said “In my opinion, it is not yet time to relax the curfew imposed on Wukari because the youth are still very angry.

“Even this morning, a house was burnt close to a security check point in Wukari town,” the Acting Governor said, and asked parents to call their children to order.

Umar also promised that he would send delegate to the Governor of Benue State in order to find a lasting solution to the continuous clashes between the Fulani and their neighbours in Taraba State.

 

77 persons killed by fulani herdsmen in a new attack