An ongoing clash between Kuteb farmers and herders in Taraba State has killed a soldier and 24 residents.
The crisis occurred in the Ussa and Takum Local Government Areas of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer in Taraba State, Abdullahi Usman said the military officer was ambushed and killed
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The other twenty-four victims he said were either killed by Kuteb or Fulani groups.
Usman said:
“The military officer who was from the checkpoint coming back to 93 Battalion Barrack was ambushed and killed, though nothing was taken from him, his motorcycle and luckily he has no rifle on him.
“He was killed by unknown persons and an investigation has been launched to unravel those behind the killing. Statistically, 20 Kuteb indigenes were killed while three Fulani herdsmen also paid the supreme price as a result of the crisis.”
The PPRO said the Fulani herdsmen have claimed that their cattle were being held hostage by the Kuteb farmers.
On the other hand, the Kuteb farmers have denied these allegations. This has led to a stalemate, with both parties refusing to back down.
He said:
“The problem we are now facing is that the Fulani are claiming that their cattle are rustled and are held hostage within the Kuteb farmers’ areas while the Kutebs fear going to the farm for fear of attack from the Fulani herdsmen.
“The commissioner of police has called on the leader of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Ussa and the claimants to discuss, agree and go to where they alleged that their cattle are held hostage for fact-finding as well as the release of same for peace to reign.”
