BANDITRY: Many are reportedly abducted, while about 3 persons were killed by bandits in a new attack, which happened on Sunday in Taraba State.
Basic Facts
- There was an attack in Bali LGA of Taraba State on Sunday night.
- The attack led to the death of at least three persons.
- Sources also confirm that unknown number of victims were abducted in the attack.
What we know
It was a bloody Sunday night, as bandits attacked and killed three persons while scores were reportedly abducted by the attackers in Bali town, the headquarters of Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Sources in Bali told Clariform reporter on phone that the attackers rode on motorcycles attacked and killed a personnel of Taraba Marshall at a checkpoint near General Hospital before proceeding to individual houses to kill and abduct people.
Notable Quotes
The Tiv central leader and Chief of Tiv in Bali, Zaki David Gbaa (Ter Tiv Bali II) told reporters that two of his subjects were killed and scores, mostly women, were abducted in the attack.
“The attackers invaded the town at about 11: pm. Two of my subjects were killed in the attack, and two others who were badly injured are receiving treatment in the hospital.
“Many people, especially women, were abducted. It’s a terrible situation and I want to call on the government and security agencies to sit up and ensure the protection of the lives and property of citizens.
“For over four hours, the bandits held the town shooting sporadically and there was no response from security agencies. People are losing hope of the government’s ability to protect them and I think the bandits are no more than our security agencies,”
Catch-up
Taraba State and indeed most of the North and Middle belt has not been spared the worsening security situation in the country.
The Middle belt have for years experience unprovoked attack by herdsmen and bandits who periodically raid communities, killing and burning villages.
It is sad to note, that in the face of all these there is scanty of successful prosecution if any at all has been made. This is despite the available volume of evidence and pointers to the culprits.
Takeaway
There seems to be no end in sight for the insecurity challenges facing the country. As for the umpteenth time, a set of citizens has been senselessly murdered for no know crime, except for the fact that they have the misfortune of coming from this part of our world.
The Bali traditional ruler, Chief of Tiv in Bali, Zaki David Gbaa (Ter Tiv Bali II) ruler, has called on the government to support the injured who are receiving treatment in hospitals.
This attack is coming three days after bandits blocked the Mutum-Biyu- Garba Chede road killing a driver and abducting passengers in the neighbouring Gassol Local Government area of the State.
As at the time of filing this report, the Police is yet to react to the attack. The Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Usman, did not pick up calls made to his line.
However, we are reliably informed that the PPRO was attending a security briefing. Perhaps there might be a press briefing after the meeting.
