Tension has flared in Assa Ward of Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, following allegations that local authorities obstructed the burial of a deceased Tiv man, Late Michael Usange, in his ancestral home at China village.
Insight Northeast gathered that Mr. Angyu Yavini, the youth leader of the area, and His Royal Majesty, Danladi Dogora, District Head of Wukari, allegedly insisted that the burial could not proceed without express permission from the Chief of Chonko.
Sources said the family of the deceased proceeded with a nighttime burial due to the continued denial of permission. However, the situation reportedly worsened when, shortly after the burial, some individuals suspected to be of Jukun origin exhumed the corpse and set the casket ablaze.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Wukari Division was said to have visited the scene in response to the incident but, according to witnesses, did not take any definitive action or offer a resolution.
As of the time of filing this report, the remains of the burnt corpse were still at the scene, with residents expressing concern over the growing ethnic tension and the lack of official intervention.
Community members have called for urgent attention from relevant authorities to de-escalate the situation, ensure justice for the deceased, and restore peace in the area.
