Fresh tension has erupted on the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State following reports of multiple killings and the destruction of houses in Mbamnga District.
Several people were reportedly killed in the latest unrest, including a man identified as Isa Toungo Ardo, while a Department of State Services (DSS) operative was also reportedly shot dead. Several houses were said to have been burnt or destroyed, with some residents reportedly fleeing their communities amid fears of renewed violence.
The development has heightened concerns over a possible resurgence of the deadly clashes that rocked the Mambilla Plateau in 2017, with stakeholders calling for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected communities.
The reported killing of the DSS operative, whose name was withheld, has particularly raised concern among residents and community stakeholders, who are demanding urgent security intervention to prevent further escalation.
Reacting to the development, the Sardauna Local Government Stakeholders Forum, through its chairman, Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps, described the reported incident in Mbara Village, Mbamnga District, as unfortunate and appealed to residents to remain calm.
Kataps, who is also the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, urged residents, irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations, to exercise restraint and avoid spreading rumours or making statements capable of inflaming tensions.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents and youth leaders to prevail on their followers and wards to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
“Anger and rumour must not destroy the decades of brotherhood we have built,” the statement said.
The stakeholders warned that lawlessness would not be tolerated, adding that security agencies had been notified and were on the ground to restore normalcy.
They also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and traditional institutions and go about their lawful activities without fear.
Kataps appealed to the parties involved to “sheath their swords” and embrace peace, while urging all sides to refrain from actions capable of aggravating the situation.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Council, Hon. Mohammed Umar, said normalcy had returned to the area, insisting that residents were going about their activities without fear.
“For now, there is no problem at the moment. Normalcy has returned and the people are going about their activities without fear,” Umar said.
On the reported killings, including the alleged death of the DSS operative, Umar disclosed that four suspects had so far been arrested and that investigations were ongoing.
He, however, did not provide further details on the identities of the suspects or the circumstances surrounding the reported death of the DSS personnel.
The Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said the police could not independently confirm the reported killing of the DSS operative.
“I cannot confirm or denied the killing of the DSS personnel, because I work with the Nigeria Police Force.
“The DSS has not reach out yet on The development. And you know thr network in Gembu in terrible.
“But as at yesterday evening, the situation was under control and normalcy has been returned and a curfew has been placed.
“Once I ascertain the number of casualty, with the permission of the DSS, we will make it public,” ASP Mshelizah said.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police had directed the reinforcement of personnel in the locality to ensure lasting peace.
The exact number of casualties and the extent of the destruction remained unconfirmed as of the time of filing this report.
