Group petitions police over rising militia attacks in Taraba

The Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO) Taraba State Chapter has filed a petition over the series of killings and attacks in Karim-Lamido local government council of the state.

The petition, which was directed to the state Commissioner of Police, David lloyanomon, raised concerns over what the group described as resentment on the part of security agencies.

Signed by its Chairperson, Hajiya Aishatu Ardo and made available to journalists on Friday in Jalingo, she stated that the escalating violence between the Gomu militia and local herders communities in the council had prompted the organization to act.

Highlighting the urgency for a stronger response from security forces, she emphasizes that lack of proactive measures, including the failure to punish compulsions, had contributed to the ongoing violence in the areas.

The chairperson called on the State governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas to intervene swiftly to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

She beckoned to the governor to direct security agencies to recover hundreds of cattle, goats, and sheep allegedly stolen by the Gomu militias during the attacks.

She expressed sadness that despite numerous warnings and reports to security agencies, no arrests had been made.

“In the latest incident, at least five people, including a local district head, were killed, and several herders remain missing,” she stated.

Stressing how 107 cattle were slaughtered, and hundreds more livestock stolen in the violence, she urges the state government to establish a special investigative committee to address the root causes of the violence and implement lasting solutions.