Tragedy In Taraba: Rampant Gunmen Attacks Kills Over 20 In Ussa & Yangtu

A Call for Action: Local Communities Face Ongoing Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

In a harrowing series of events that have shaken the very foundations of local communities in Taraba State, Nigeria, suspected herdsmen unleashed terror, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous lives. This violence, which occurred in the Yangtu Development Area and Ussa Local Government Area, has drawn attention to the escalating insecurity and humanitarian crisis in the region.

Mr. Ure Caleb, a youth leader and public affairs analyst, conveyed the grim reality of the situation in a phone conversation with our correspondent, revealing that over 20 people fell victim to these ruthless attacks in separate incidents across Ussa local government and Yangtu Special Development Area.

The Chairman of Ussa Local Government Council, Mr. Peter Shamwun, in an interaction with journalists, detailed the horrific events of Friday evening. He reported that around 6 pm, gunmen attacked the Rubur Ribasi, Nyicwu, and Ruwah Communities of Yangtu Special Development Area, resulting in nine casualties. Furthermore, Shamwun disclosed that the bandits also targeted travelers along the Takum-Ussa Road, intensifying their reign of terror. In an additional assault, the Kpambo Yashe community in Ussa Local Government witnessed the loss of one of its residents.

In the face of this mounting violence, Shamwun issued an urgent plea to Governor Agbu Kefas and President Bola Tinubu, beseeching them to deploy security forces to the area and eradicate the threat posed by these bandits. He lamented, “Information available to me indicates that the bandits have laid siege along Takum-Ussa Road and other areas around Yantu to kill more people. I do not know why the bandits have decided to concentrate in the area and have been operating freely without challenge by security operatives.”

Shamwun highlighted the proximity of these attacks to military installations, questioning the absence of an effective response from security forces. The continuous onslaught has not only claimed lives but also precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis and food insecurity, as residents face threats to their safety while attending to their farms.

Mr. Yakubu Tinya, who survived a close brush with death during these attacks, recounted the harrowing experience. According to him, the attackers, suspected to be Fulanis, with some appearing to be foreigners, launched a coordinated assault on multiple communities simultaneously around 6 pm. “The attackers came in their numbers and killed scores of people. Some people were attacked right on their farms, some on their way back, and some in their houses,” Tinya shared, still reeling from the shock of the ordeal.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Usman Abdullahi, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that the incident was still under investigation. This latest attack is part of a series of violent incidents that have plagued Ussa, Takum, and Yangtu communities for over two years, including the ambush and killing of the Commanding Officer of Ada Barracks Takum last year in Takum Local Government.

These continued attacks have highlighted the urgent need for a robust and decisive response from both state and federal governments. The people of Taraba State, particularly in these affected communities, are calling for immediate action to ensure their safety and to bring an end to the cycle of violence that has disrupted their lives.

In conclusion, the situation in Taraba State is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and security in certain regions of Nigeria. The government, military, and law enforcement agencies must collaborate to develop and implement effective strategies to protect the lives and properties of citizens. As the communities of Ussa, Takum, and Yangtu await relief, the hope is that this tragic incident will serve as a catalyst for change, bringing lasting peace to the region.