Revealed: Details Of Another Tribal Clash In Taraba State After The Signing Of A Permanent Peace Agreement

Acting Governor of Taraba state, Garba Umar who brokered the peace agreement

At least, 25 people have reportedly been killed in a fresh communal crisis that broke out yesterday in the ancient city of Wukari in Taraba State. Many other people also sustained varying degrees of injuries while several houses were burnt down in the clash that broke out in the early hours of yesterday while residents were preparing to go to church. This latest crisis is coming barely six weeks after the Jukuns and Tivs, as well as the Fulanis signed an agreement to permanently bring to an end the incessant communal clashes in the town. The peace agreement, which was brokered by the acting governor of the state, Alhaji Garba Umar, was signed on behalf of the
Jukuns by the Chairman of Jukun Cultural Association, Mr. Zando Hoku, the Chairman of Tiv Cultural Association, Mr. James Nugwa, signed on behalf of the Tivs, while Alhaji Mafindi Danburam, Chairman of Miyetti Allah, signed for the Fulanis.
Present at the signing of the agreement which was held on April 30 were the paramount ruler of Jukun Kingdom and Chairman of Taraba Council of Chiefs, Dr. Shekarau Angyo, and the traditional ruler of Ibi, Alhaji Abubakar Saliu Danbauro.
It was gathered that yesterday’s outbreak of violence was triggered by the burning of a shop very close to a church owned by a Muslim. This made the shop owner to immediately mobilise his people to attack the man he suspected to have burnt his shop.
The attack on the man did not go down well with other residents who attempted to repel the attack, leading to full blown hostilities and the use of guns and other dangerous weapons. The Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Joseph Kwajim who confirmed the incident, told newsmen that four corpses had so far been recovered while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
He however disclosed that the men of the command had succeeded in bringing the situation under control, adding that the joint team of the police and army had intensified patrols in the area. He said relative calm had been restored in the area.
Residents and eyewitnesses however told our reporter that no fewer than 25 people were killed in the clash, just as they acknowledged the efforts of security agencies to bring the situation under control.