From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye Abuja and Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has ordered the deployment of extra military battalion, police reinforcement and also, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to Taraba State, to curtail violence attacks in Mambilla Plateau.
Fresh outbreak of crisis, which reportedly led to the deaths of over 100 people and destruction of property worth millions, was described as a sad development by Governor Darius Ishaku.
The renewed crisis erupted on Mambilla Plateau, on Monday, was due to disagreement between two people which escalated and led to killings and destruction of property.
Chairman of Sardauna local government council, John Yep, where Mambilla Plateau is located, imposed 24-hour curfew on Gembu, headquarters of the council.
Osinbajo’s Media Aide, Laolu Akande, said the acting president regretted the attacks and condemned acts of violence, vowing that perpetrators would be brought to book.
He condoled the victims of the recent violent attacks in a number of communities in Taraba State, where deaths have been reported.
Meanwhile, governor Ishaku has read the riot act to perpetrators of violence in Mambilla Plateau; desist or be prosecuted.
The governor’s directive was contained in a press statement issued yesterday in Jalingo, and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa.
Ishaku condemned the crisis and said it was senseless and regrettable and urged warring factions to cease fire in Mambilla immediately.
“It is a sad development that lives and property have been lost as a result of this needless and senseless crisis which negates our resolve to progress as a people and bring the much-needed development, especially on the highly cherished Mambilla Plateau.
“Security agencies have already been charged to be on top of the situation and by the grace of God, we shall overcome this darkness as it is impossible to understand the evil thoughts of those perpetrating this unacceptable behaviour.”
Crisis erupted in Mambillaon Sunday, between the Mambillas and Fulani, over the arrest of a Mambilla man.
In a related development, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has also expressed shock over the development.
The state, which has recorded ethnic and religious crises recently has been embroiled in violence, resulting to the deaths of over 100 people, and more than 15,000 cattle reportedly killed or rustled.
They said without a state of emergency, “protection of our remaining people cannot be guaranteed.
In a related development, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has also expressed shock over the development,
Baba Ngelzarma, national secretary of the association, also called on the federal government to intervene.
“We are calling on the relevant national security agencies to step up action in fortifying the area and ensure normalcy is returned.
“It is our firm belief that only a national judiciary commission of inquiry can unveil the true nature, motivation and magnitude of these barbaric acts of carnage and destruction.
“The federal government should as a matter urgency and justice institute one,” he said in a statement, yesterday.