Residents of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area in Taraba State, on Sunday, held a mass burial for over 37 persons killed in a recent attack by suspected herders.
The victims, mostly from Munga community, were laid to rest amid tears and calls for urgent government intervention.
The attack occurred over the weekend and is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the area.
Gov. Agbu Kefas was absent at the burial. He reportedly left the state capital, Jalingo, through Danbaba Suntai Airport at about 2:45 p.m., the same time the mass burial was ongoing.
The governor’s absence sparked criticism from residents, who accused the state government of neglect and insensitivity.
“Our people are being killed, yet the governor is nowhere to be found,” a resident told NAN. “He encouraged us to return to our homes but left us defenseless.”
Community members also decried the lack of security, stating that local hunters and vigilantes are often left to confront well-armed attackers.
“These assailants are not unknown. Authorities were alerted weeks ago after meetings with both communities. Yet nothing was done,” another resident said.
Insight Northeast reports that the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel S. Brete, had visited the affected communities. He engaged with local leaders and Fulani representatives in a bid to ease tensions.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, was said to be on his way to the area for further peace efforts at the time of this report.
No fewer than 57 persons have been killed in Karim-Lamido in the past two weeks, with hundreds displaced. Farmlands, homes, and property worth millions of naira have been destroyed.
Community leaders are calling for an urgent deployment of security personnel and humanitarian support for displaced families.
Pressure is also mounting on Gov. Kefas to return and show leadership in the wake of the escalating crisis.
