Bandits kill eight travellers in Taraba

Bandits have reportedly ambushed and killed eight persons in Rafinkada community of Wukari Council of Taraba State.

The incident, which took place yesterday, was said to have further fuelled the tension in the area where the Tiv and Jukun ethnic crisis claimed lives and property.

Confirming the incident, the council chairman, Adi Daniel, said the eight victims were among the 11 travelling from Wukari to Donga Council. The rest three were said to have narrowly escaped with various degrees of gun injuries.

He further confirmed that the three injured travellers were receiving medical attention at an undisclosed medical facility in the council.

While admitting that security have further been beefed up in the affected community to avoid recurrence, the deceased, according to him, have been given mass burial.

The council boss, who beckoned the authorities to deploy more security operatives to the area, reiterated the determination of the council leadership to work round the clock to checkmate hoodlums.

When reached for confirmation, the Public Relation Officer (PPRO), David Misal, said they were yet to be briefed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge, but promised to reach out to The Guardian as soon as information was made available.

Despite the efforts so far put in place by the state government to curb the activities of bandits and to ensure dialogue between the Tiv and Jukun, the state has known no peace, as the killings and massive destructions of properties have continued unabated.