BREAKING:10 feared killed , 2 police officers , several women abducted in Taraba

By Garba Mohammad
Local officials in Taraba state North eastern Nigeria have confirmed that at least 10 people were feared dead, as two policemen and several other women abducted from a boat when neighbouring Tarok and Jukun militias allegedly attacked Hausa dominated communities of Mala and Damfar,Ibi local government.
The boat usually to ferries no fewer than 70 passengers on market days.
Confirming the attack Tuesday evening, in a telephone interview, chairman of Ibi local government, Mr Isiyaka Adamu said that already 10 people were confirmed killed, while several other market women were abducted when the attackers seized the boat conveying traders and other passengers that were heading to a neighbouring community of Tella.
‘’We have been told that for now 10 people were killed, and many market women on boat that could not swim in the river are said to have been abducted.
‘’More security personnel have been deployed to rescue the abducted persons and also to restore peace,’’ Adamu said.
The Ibi LG chairman said security in parts of Ibi has been porous especially at the coastal and border areas.
Though,the true identity of the attackers remains unknown, a traditional ruler in the area,Dauda Ayuba Magajin Garin Mala in a telephone interview,Tuesday, appears to be pointing accusing fingers at ethnic Tarok militia from Langtang South and Wase in Plateau.
When contacted on phone , he said the attackers turned up with sophisticated weapons and started shooting at residents, who were forced to flee for their lives. He then alleged that up to 100 houses have been completely razed down and that the entire area currently lies in ruins.
‘’This time, the Tarok and their accomplice from our neighboring Jukuns took us unawares, they laid ambush at the bank of the river,while others attacked those left behind in farms,’’ he said.
However,reacting on phone to the allegation, chairman of Tarok community in Wase, Mr Dalen Lalung denied that his community launched the attack, “No, it was a blatant lie to accuse us.
‘’Why should we cross border and launch the attack? You should remember that there were fights between them and their neighbouring Jukun communities,’’ Lalung said.
The police spokesman in the state,Joseph Kwaji confirmed the attack,but could not give details, ‘’ Yes, I can confirm to you that there was an attack by yet to be identified ethnic militia in Mala and Damfar communities.
”Two police cops and some market women were allegedly abducted and already units of armed security personnel including soldiers have been deployed,’’he said.
It would be recalled that in the recent past, the Tarok community in Plateau state had themselves come under severe attacks allegedly from Fulani militia from Taraba state and several people were said to have lost their lives during these incidents.