Militia fulani herdsmen kill two on Taraba-Benue border

There seems to be no end to the ongoing killings in Taraba State, as no fewer than two persons have been reportedly killed by the militia Fulani herdsmen in Vaase village, a border-town between Taraba and Benue.

The incident, which took place yesterday, was said to have once again increased the number of persons recently taking refuge in the Internally Displaced Persons camps scattered across the state.

Saddened by the ongoing activities of the herdsmen, Wison Ishoso, a camp leader in one of the IDPs presently camping in the Local Government Education Area Primary School in Vaase, said the attack has further increased fears among the IDPs.

He named Iorwa Igundu and Akua Ahua as the persons hacked to death by the militia Fulani herdsmen.He told The Guardian that the attackers numbering over 200 have presently taken over the entire Ukemberagya, Tombo, Turan and Twarev communities spanning the two aforementioned states of Taraba and Benue border.

According to him: “The Fulani attackers who are on a mission to take over our land crossed river Benue from Nasarawa state to these communities and met the victims on their farms” adding that ” they slaughtered them like animals.”

Wondering why government has been dragging its feet in addressing activities of the herdsmen, he said: “We have been forced out of our homes now. It’s unfortunate that since 2014, the entire Ukemberagya community was deserted and there is no hope that our people will return to their homes soon. The Fulani herdsmen now graze freely on the remains of our homes.

“There are over 2000 IDPs in this camp, some are now staying with their relations in areas not yet affected by the crisis, but there is no guarantee for our safety.

“Food, potable water and shelter are the main challenges facing the IDPs. Last week, many children were down with malaria, four died in the process and as you can see many of the children are malnourished.”

The Guardian gathered that since the camp was opened two months ago, following renewed attacks by herdsmen who are said have crossed from the neighbouring Nasarawa State, no relief materials have come the way of the IDPs.

When reached for confirmation, the Police Commissioner through the Command’s Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, said the command is yet to receive any information regarding the attacks.