13 killed, houses burnt as chieftaincy tussle tears Taraba communities part

Tamarauemi Ebimini

Thirteen people have been reportedly killed, several houses burnt and many residents displaced as a fallout of a chieftaincy tussle that engulfed Karim-Lamido Local Council, Taraba State.

Sources from the area told The Guardian that over 13 bodies have so far been identified, as at the time of filing this report.

The crisis, which started few days ago, escalated following the alleged involvement of soldiers who intimidated and harassed youths from the rival community.

Reports have it that the crisis, between the Karim Jo and the Wurukun communities sparked-off following the appointment of a second-class chief. Sources from the affected community said the crisis was caused by the creation of the chiefdom.

It was learnt that the step by the state government to relocate the headquarters of the chiefdom in Karim, also contributed to the crisis, which has led to wanting destruction of human lives and valuables.

Though casualties numbering over 13 have been reportedly confirmed dead, the state police command claimed, “only two deaths have so far been recorded.”

The Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abdullahi Usman, who made the confirmation, said mobile policemen, as well as regular policemen from nearby local councils, have been deployed to the area.

The PPRO who said normalcy has been restored to the trouble council area, said apart from the policemen, several numbers of soldiers have also been drafted to the council.