5 killed as bandits sack Taraba villages

Catholic priests protest against killings

Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri, with agency report

The Police in Taraba have said five people were killed and scores injured following an  attack by gunmen on Dan-Anacha and Dinya villages in Gassol Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Assistant Superintendent of Police David Missal, said the  suspected bandits carried out the dastardly act on Monday.

“The suspected bandits attacked the villages, burnt down some houses and killed five people in the process.
“We deployed our men to the area,  but, unfortunately, most of the bandits had fled before the arrival of the police.

“Our men, however,  shot and killed one of the bandits who was trying to escape with valuable items,” said Missal.

He added that calmness has returned to the area as policemen are on top of the situation.
Chairman of the council, Alhaji Yahuza Yaya’u,   also confirmed the incident.

The chairman said he has held a security meeting with stakeholders in the area where he appealed to all to eschew violence and embrace peace.

Meanwhile, Catholics in Imo held a procession in major roads in the state, yesterday, to protest killings of Nigerians, especially Christians, by suspected herdsmen in Benue and other parts of the country.
The Catholic priests were also joined by men, women, youths, and children drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state.

They marched along the major roads, carried placards and banners with such inscriptions as ‘Catholic priests are against violence and killing of priests,’ ‘President Buhari resign if…’

Archbishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna, who addressed newsmen, shortly after the procession, regretted that many families have lost members to the rampaging herdsmen.

“We are having killings which doesn’t show that we have left the military era. There have been inter-tribal marriages in Nigeria and the people have lived in harmony until the rampaging herdsmen made co-habitation an issue.”
The cleric charged President Muhammadu Buhari to protect lives and property.

“We want president Buhari to disarm these violent herdsmen and criminals. We know he is doing something but we need it to be more visible and impacting.
“President Buhari should know that he should be a father to everyone and not some as perceived. His subtle and real statements should be to protect every Nigerian.”

Obinna further charged security agencies to ensure adequate security at all times.

“Do not harbour vipers as alleged by General Theophilus Danjuma. President Buhari and the security agencies should be on the same page,” he reiterated.