20 reportedly killed, 300 cows stolen in fresh ethnic battle in Taraba state
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A fresh violent ethnic clash on the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna local government area of Taraba state on Sunday, March 4, has reportedly led to the death of twenty people, while about three hundred cows have been rustled.A resident of the community who fled during the clash, Saadu Magoggo, said that two of his brothers were killed on Saturday evening and their cattle rustled by a group he identified as the Mambilla Militia, Vanguard reports.Another fleeing resident of the area, Abdu Gagarau, said:“The burning and killing by herdsmen continued till early this morning (Saturday). Since last Thursday they have been attacking our settlements and over 20 people killed. Some were buried and over 300 cattle stolen by the militias.
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“The Mambila ethnic group is known for attacking other tribes. They attacked the Panso in 1982, the Fulani in 2002 and in 2017. When eventually we retaliate, the normal shouts of herdsmen will start. Letgovernment be proactive and come to our rescue.”A Fulani community leader, Ahmadu Nguroje, said: “At least 20 people are feared killed, looting of houses, shops and burning down to ashes by the Mambilla militias along Tapare and Yerimaru axis have been recorded here in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State. About 12 others were also injured and are on admission at a hospital in Gembu.”Reacting to the violent clash, Governor Darius Ishaku, who spoke through his senior special assistant on public affairs,Emmanuel Bello, said:“Anyone who takes any life, irrespective of religion or tribe, is a criminal; whether it is on the summits of Mambilla or the plains of Southern Taraba and anywhere in this state. And we shall deal with them as criminals. We are committed to an amicable resolution of the crisis in the state and peaceful co-existence of all ethnic nationalities."
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According to the report, several houses and other valuables were set ablaze by the warring factions as both sides were said to have recorded casualties.The crisis which started at Nguroje before spreading to Jakarta villages was reportedly ignited by a dispute over land.
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