From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
At least, six people are confirmed dead and scores injured in renewed crisis in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, allegedly between the Kuteb and Hausa in the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Taraba State Police Command, Abdullahi Usman, confirmed this to Daily Sun in a phone interview, yesterday. Usman said six bodies were recovered and many people injured in the crisis that rocked Takum town, on Saturday, but normalcy has been restored following a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.
“As of this morning, I can confirm to you from official records that six bodies have been recovered and several people are receiving treatment from injuries.
“So far, the CP has ordered massive investigation to ascertain the causes of the crisis while efforts are well underway to ensure that calm is sustained.
“The state government has issued a round-the-clock curfew, and our men are fully on ground enforcing it to the letter. For now, we urge everyone to stay calm and stop spreading rumours that would further escalate the situation.
“As soon as the investigation is completed and the causes of the crisis established, we will let you know,” Usman said.
Daily Sun gathered that trouble started again in Takum town on Sunday, when news broke out that some Fulani herdsmen were killed while conveying their cattle to Takum market for sale.
The alleged attack and killing of the five herdsmen was alleged to have been perpetrated by Kuteb people, which provoked the Fulani to launch a counter-attack on the Kuteb people within the local government and the Hausa community also allegedly joined in solidarity with the Fulani herdsmen against the Kuteb. A source reliably told Daily Sun that over 20 people were killed in the clash.
“Shortly after the news of the attack on the five herdsmen, Hausa traders joined forces with the Fulani to counter-attack the Kuteb, which resulted in unaccounted deaths and injuries. What I am very sure of is, over 20 people lost their lives in the clash.