A clash between the Kuteb-speaking tribe in Taraba state and the Fulani herdsmen has reportedly claimed the lives of at least five people in Takum, the administrative centre of Takum Local Government Area.
The violence happened on Sunday when some Fulani herders took their cattle to the market to be sold. The Kuteb teenagers were accused of attacking them, and a response resulted in five deaths.
According to an eyewitness who lives nearby the market and requested anonymity, the Kuteb teenagers were repelled by some Hausa traders working with the Fulani, causing more injuries and unreported fatalities.
According to him, when both communities mobilized to continue the attack and counterattacks, the military and other security agencies arrived to dispel them.
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He said the military fired several shots into the air to scare them.
“The incident has led to the market being shot down for fear of attacks,” he said. “Remember, the Fulani and Kuteb-speaking tribes have been at loggerheads for months now in Ussa Local Government Area. So, I think the attack today is a way of revenge.
“From where I’m talking to you now, I heard there is a curfew already imposed. The curfew has not deterred feuding parties from setting homes and shops on fire.”
When contacted, the chairman of the council who was kidnapped and released recently said he is in Jalingo, the state capital, and will only reveal more when he gets back to his hometown.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba Command Mr. Abdullahi Usman said he is yet to be briefed on the incident; however, he assured that he will get facts about the development.
