One killed, scores injured as Gov Ishaku moves to grab land in Taraba community
By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
At least one person has been confirmed killed while several others injured in Dugwer Community of Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, following an alleged attempt by Governor Darius Ishaku, through the Chief of Jibu (Kuru Jibu), HRH Alhaji Abubakar Mahmood Adamu to grab the ancestral land belonging the Tiv people of the area.
Residents told our correspondent that trouble started many months ago, over a large portion of land belonging to the Tiv people along the Bali -Takum federal highway in which Governor Ishaku had indicated interest to take over.
Our correspondent gathered that following Governor Ishaku’s alleged interest in the land, the Kuru Jibu, Alhaji Abubakar Mahmood Adamu had approached the leaders of the community that the Executive Governor of the State was interested in the land, urging them to vacate to a destination that they may be directed to.
It was also gathered that while the community was waiting for compensation and the new land to relocate, armed local vigilantes numbering over 60, allegedly under the instruction of the Kuru Jibu, stormed the community on Monday forcing the people out of the land. The situation according to residents, led to the killing a 42-year-old Terwase Ayem, while several others sustained various degrees of injury.
A village head, Zaki Ternenge, told our correspondent on phone that the attackers also looted agricultural produce and other valuable belongings to the people of the community worth Millions of Naira.
“The Kuru Jibu came himself in the company of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bali and warned us to leave the community and we don’t have anywhere to go, this is our land. Immediately they left, over 60 armed youths came with dangerous weapons, chasing and shooting people.
“They also looted farm products reserved by some of our members, motorcycles, and personal belongings. Over 15 motorcycles were carted away, we lost property worth millions of Naira.
“For now, one person has been confirmed killed. Some were shot while on the run. As I talk to you now, some of our community members are still missing,” he said.
Taraba state police command has
Confirming the incident. Although, the command through the Public Relations Officer, DSP Usman Abdullahi, told our correspondent that the situation has been brought under control.
Abdullahi said some arrests have being made and useful information were being gathered to get to the root cause of the matter.
Meanwhile, Mr Bala Dan Abu, Special Adviser to Governor Darius Ishaku on Media and Publicity, denied the governor’s involvement in the forceful land seizure.
