77 People Feared Dead In Herdsmen Attacks In Wukari, Taraba

The Red Cross confirmed on April 18, 2014, Friday that about 77 people lost their lives in the past few days during the crises between some Fulani herdsmen and the indigenous people of Wukari area, Taraba State.

A leader of the Red Cross in the area, Saidu Aji, said that about 37 people were buried as soon as they were killed, while 47 more were confirmed dead at various hospitals.

No fewer than 40 people, who sustained various degrees of injuries, were receiving treatment at local hospitals. 14 victims were taken to Kwararafa Hospital in the town, while those with serious cases were taken to the Jalingo Specialist Hospital.

At the same time, Aji pointed out that the numbers of the victims were still being collated.

This was even as the police said that the death toll from Wukari crisis had risen to 24. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Joseph Kwaji, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Wukari. He said 34 persons were injured while 99 houses were burnt during the crisis.

The Traditional Ruler of Wukari, (Aku Uka), His Royal Highness Shakarau Angyu met the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar, on Friday to discuss the ongoing violence.

He blamed the Fulani for igniting the crises, urged Umar to lift the 24-hour curfew imposed on the town so that people could go outside their houses for purchases, business.

However, Umar rejected this offer, said it was not the right time to relax Wukari curfew.

The Acting Governor has also promised to send a delegation to the government of Benue State in a bid to find solution to the incessant clashes between the Fulani and their neighbours in Taraba State.

Source: Legit.ng