At least 12 people were killed and 40 others injured when gunmen attacked the site of a wedding celebration in Natirde village, Taraba State.
The police and locals made this known yesterday, December 22, Premium Times reports.
The state police spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, also disclosed that a unit of anti-riot police and soldiers were deployed to the area to track the assailants.
Some residents alleged that the attackers were Jukuns, which information was not however confirmed by the police.
Muhammad Saidu, a councilor representing the community, confirmed the incident:
“They opened fire on the crowd that gathered for the celebration during which over 10 persons were killed and several others injured.”
Dan Garba, one of the villagers, who was injured during the attack and rushed to the hospital, said:
“We were celebrating in the village and before you know it, some Jukuns crossed over and started firing shots at us. I sustained injuries on my leg while many others were killed.”
Another eyewitness, Danladi Bitrus, narrated that the gunmen wearing military uniforms started shooting the residents upon invasion.
It would be recalled that Taraba crisis is connected with ethno-religious issues. The clashes usually occur between Christian Jukun and their Muslim Hausa and Fulani neighbours. All the groups are said to be fighting for political control of the state.
