Fresh trouble erupted in the early hours of yesterday in one town each in both Ibi and Wukari local government areas of Taraba State, claiming 32 lives. The tragedy occurred barely hours after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents attacked Sina Village in Michika Local Government area of neighbouring Adamawa State.

In the Taraba violence, 25 people lost their lives in Sundi, Wukari LGA, while seven people were reported dead in Gindin Waya, Ibi LGA.

The two villages were attacked simultaneously at about 6:00am by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, according to sources.

The police confirmed the fresh breakdown of peace in the two communities but said it was unknown gunmen that attacked the villages. They also said nine people were killed, two from Gingin Waya and seven from Sunti.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Taraba State Command, ASP Joseph Kwaji, explained further that before his men arrived the affected communities the gunmen had left the villages and the place was calm.

The previous night, insurgents in their hundreds emerged from the bush and started killing and burning houses, cars, domestic animals and other property in Adamawa State.

A community leader in Michika, Dr. Caleb Filli, said the insurgents burnt down all houses in the village, forcing residents to flee.

According to him, the gunmen in their hundreds descended on the village shooting indiscriminately and burning houses. He said he could not ascertain the number of those killed at press time.

Michika and Madagali areas had been under the control of Boko Haram insurgents since early September, even as efforts by the military to retake them have proved abortive.

Dr. Filli called on the Federal Government to ensure that the ceasefire agreement includes the withdrawal of Boko Haram fighters from the areas they occupy, adding that the ceasefire will not be meaningful unless it paves way for residents to return to their homes.

He lamented the suffering of thousands of displaced residents living as refugees in other places, leaving behind their farms and businesses.”

•Pieced together from reports in Blueprint and Vanguard.

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