• Monarch canvasses modern livestock practices
No fewer than six persons were said to have been killed in an uprising that occurred yesterday between suspected herders and farmers in Bali council area of Taraba State.
The incident, which The Guardian, learnt occurred at Mararaban Azagwa in Maihula town of the council, was said to have also left several persons with injuries.
Though the police confirmed that only two persons were killed, but sources from the community said no fewer than six persons, including a 92-year-old man, were forcefully ushered to the graveyards as a result of the upheaval.
In a telephone chat, the state police command’s acting spokeswoman, Gambo Kwache, said two persons were killed and several others injured.
Kwache said operatives had been deployed in the area to restore sanity, adding that the injured were receiving medical attention at Bali General Hospital.
Trouble was said to have erupted when the remains of a suspected herder, who was alleged to be a drunk and drug addict, was found.
The family of the deceased was said to have accused another ethnic group for the death of the herder, a situation which reportedly led resulted in the crisis that equally claimed properties.
Also confirming the killings, the Tiv traditional ruler on Bali, Zaki David Gbaa, said while six persons were brutally murdered, four others were in critical condition.
He identified those killed to include Aondohemba Salemkaan, Tersuugh Dondo, Terkuma Mbatim, Kumaga Ujam Asaaga Nev and Tersoo Memga.
While condemning the incident, Gbaa said the casualty figure would have been higher but for the swift intervention of security operatives.
The council chairman could not be reached as at press time as his mobile lines were switched off.
But a senior council official said the council is working closely with security operatives to bring the perpetrators to book.
BESIDES, the traditional ruler of Muri Emirate in the state, Alhaji Abba Tafida, has called on herders across Taraba and beyond to embrace modern livestock practices.
This, according to him, has become necessary following the rapid growth in population, which he observed to have continued to lead to shortage of grazing land
The monarch, who gave the suggestion yesterday while playing host to Tarabans, who throng his palace for Sallah homage, said It is now a reality that grazing lands are going into extinction.
“Grazing lands are no longer available due to population growth, with development occupying all available lands across the country,” he stated.
While calling on herders nationwide to embrace modern livestock practices, the traditional ruler stressed the need for the three tiers of government to reconcile aggrieved parties for peaceful co-existence.
