Vigilante group exonerates self over Taraba killings

A vigilante group, Da Yardan Allan Mu Je Masu, has distanced itself from the recent gruesome murder of 12 persons in Taraba State.

The victims, whom The Guardian learnt were mistaken for bandits, were killed last week in Zudai village in Bali Council.

The state police command, through its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Usman Abdullahi, also confirmed that the victims were not bandits, as some prominent persons in the state had claimed.

At a press briefing in Jalingo, yesterday, the group said it had nothing to do with the attack and had no link whatsoever with the perpetrators of the evil act, adding that the attackers’ modus operandi was different from its own.

Led by its state chairman, Gidado Sabuzy, the group said: “During the attack, a lot of people, mostly women and children, were missing, and cattle numbering over 300 were rustled.

“Our group is law-abiding, and our efforts are to provide security in communities and foster unity among the people of Bali and Gassol Councils.”

He cautioned persons pointing accusing fingers at the group to desist, saying the vigilante group “is always assisting security agencies in neutralising bandits and kidnappers in Gassol and Bali.”

He said the group is not involved in killings, maiming and cattle rustling. “Our operations had yielded positive results with the return of peace in most villages of Gassol and Bali, in particular, and Taraba State, before this barbaric crime.”

He said the group fostered peace between farmers and herders and other business people, who now go about day and night without hindrances.”

Sabuzy vowed that the group would not cease supporting the state governor’s peace mantra: “Give me peace and I will give you development.”