Gunmen raze 15 huts, shoot one in fresh Jukun -Tiv clash in taraba

Gunmen raze 15 huts, shoot one in fresh Jukun -Tiv clash in taraba

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected Jukun militias have attacked Dekeh Village along the Wukari–Kente Road in Taraba State, setting fire to 15 huts and injuring one resident in a renewed wave of ethnic violence between the Jukun and Tiv communities.

Security sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the incident, occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday. According to the sources, the attackers, numbering about six and armed with guns, stormed the village and opened fire sporadically, causing panic and forcing residents to flee.

The assailants also burnt food items, including yam seedlings, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

One Mdue Saaondo, sustained gunshot injuries and was promptly rescued by a joint team of police and military personnel and rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari for treatment.

Police say investigations have commenced to identify and arrest the perpetrators of the attack. Authorities also announced plans to convene a security meeting with the Wukari Local Government Traditional Council aimed at fostering peaceful co-existence between the Tiv and Jukun communities, who have a history of land-related disputes.

“Patrol and monitoring in the area are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” police said.

The attack marks the latest in a series of violent confrontations rooted in longstanding grievances over land ownership and territorial claims in southern Taraba.

Gunmen raze 15 huts, shoot one in fresh Jukun -Tiv clash in taraba