FROM NAHUM SULE, JALINGO

Tarabans have expressed their frustration with their Governor, Agbu Kefas, who jetted out of the state while the ongoing mass burial of 42 villagers murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen at the Munga community of Karim-Lamido on Friday was ongoing.

The New National Star reports that Kefas left Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on Saturday.

The governor departed from Danbaba Suntai Airport around 2:45pm, coinciding with the efforts by the security agents, hunters, vigilantes, and youths to gather the victims’ bodies for burial.

Following Kefas’ action, Tarabans accused him of neglecting them during the crisis, which left many families devastated.

They noted that the attacks, which began two weeks ago, were perpetrated by known individuals.

The residents recalled a recent meeting at the Government House where the governor urged displaced villagers to return home, following discussions with stakeholders and the Fulani community, facilitated by the 6 Brigade Commander, General Kingsley Chidebere.

The villagers had previously warned of the Fulani’s alleged plan to “wipeout” their community.

Subsequently, they held a press briefing last week, urging the governor to visit the affected areas, and deploy additional security.

They lamented that, during the burial of the 42 community members, the governor left the state for undisclosed reasons, leaving them with inadequate security forces often overwhelmed by the attackers.

Reports indicate that the attacks in Karim-Lamido have claimed, at least, 57 lives over two weeks, displaced hundreds, and destroyed homes and crops worth millions of Naira, with several individuals still missing.