Jukun group condemns killings in Wukari
The Jukun Development Association of Nigeria, Lagos Branch, has condemned the alarming rate of killings in Wukari and surrounding villages in the southern part of Taraba State. Suspected insurgents masquerading as herdsmen have unleashed untold terror on innocent citizens.
The association also called on Fulani associations in the state to help in exposing the killers in their midst, saying this would prove that the attacks on Jukunland are not meant to disorganise the people before next year’s general elections. It, however, expressed gratitude to the acting governor, Alhaji Garba Umar for quick intervention towards ending the crisis, noting that more needs to be done for normalcy to return to the area.
President of the association,
Mr. Benjamin Bako made the statement in Lagos last week while addressing journalists on the unfortunate attacks. He called on the federal government to support the state government’s efforts at ensuring that the menace is brought to an end without further delay.
“We want the federal government to compliment the efforts of the state government so as to bring peace to our homeland. We are peace-loving people. Further attacks on our people should be discouraged.
“What is going on in our homeland at present is not acceptable. Some people have been rendered homeless by the invaders. Some have been killed and farmlands destroyed. These invaders want to take over our land by force,” he said.
He added that the people of the area, mostly women and children are suffering from psychological torture as a result of the curfew imposed on the town. He, however, thanked the acting governor for relaxing the curfew.
Also speaking, secretary of the association, Mr. Bulus Abe said, “What we observed is that the curfew imposed by the government has killed more of our people than the attacks. Our people have suffered the more as a result of the curfew.
“The government needs to be told that this is a period of water scarcity in the area. When the people’s movement is grossly restricted, how do you expect them to get water for domestic use?
Abe urged humanitarian agencies, particularly the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to reach out to the victims of the attacks, adding that they are mostly women and children.
He also called on representatives of the people at the National Assembly and state House of Assembly to assist the victims in any way they can so as to alleviate their suffering.