BREAKING: Suspected gunmen kill 11, raze several houses in Taraba

Suspected gunmen have reportedly killed no fewer than 11 and injured several others in fresh attacks on Tungwa and Utsua-Daa communities in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

A resident in Bagoni near Tungwa, who pleaded not to be identified, told First News that the gunmen invaded Tungwa on Thursday and Utsua-Daa on Friday, killing several people.

Eyewitnesses also said several houses in the two communities along the Bali-Marararba Road were razed during the attacks.

The fresh attacks and killings occurred barely eight hours after the Taraba Joint Peace Committee submitted an updated report on the crisis to the Deputy Governor, Haruna Manu in Jalingo, the state capital.

According to a resident, “We saw 11 dead bodies after the attacks. Many house have been burnt and people have deserted the communities.

“Many people, especially Tiv farmers, are fleeing the communities on foot to Bali for safety.”

Confirming the attacks, the Bali Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Musa Mahmud, said only five people were killed.

Mahmud, who claimed to be ground at the scene of the attacks, also confirmed that several houses were razed by the attackers.

The council boss said, “Five people have been killed and several houses burnt, but the situation is under control now.

“I am at the scene of the attack as we speak. For the past two hours I have been here and I can confirm to you that burning and killings have stopped for now.

“I want to call on the people to eschew violence and embrace peace.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, did not pick calls made to his phone.

Misal, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, did not also reply text messages sent to him.

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