No fewer than 35 people were killed and 15 houses burnt in a communal clash that pitted the Fulani and their Taroh neighbours in Wase Local Government area of Plateau. Wass is 250 km south of Jos, the state capital.
The incident followed the killing of two men said to be of Taroh extraction by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. The men were said to have been killed while they were riding along the Wase – Kadarko road.
Our correspondent gathered that the recent incident was sparked off when some group of Taroh youths in reprisal, invaded Filin Mavou, a predominantly Jukun village, killing and burning houses. Earlier the youths were said to have attacked a Fulani man riding a motorcycle. They were said to have gone away with the motorcycle after killing him.
According to a source, the crisis broke out at about 1 45 am on Wednesday when some youths invaded Fili Mavou , the home of the state commissioner for Water Resources IDI waziri burning down his house and 15 other houses.
An eye witness said that many people have been killed before men of the Special Task Force raced to the village. One of the houses burnt was said to belong to the acommissioner firvWater Resources, Mallam Idi Waziiri.
Our correspondent gathered that after the attackers were repelled,, they headed to Wase town. They were however said to have been repelled by men of the Special Task Force.
The eye witness said, “As I am talking to you now, Taroh boys are entering Wase, but the soldiers pushed them back. The Emir is meeting with local government officials and security on how to handler the situation without allowing it to spread to other areas.
Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Olakpe, who confirmed the incident, however said that only eight people were killed in the skirmishes.
He said, “Yes there was an attack in Mavou community early this morning and eight people have been confirmed killed. Operation is going on to control the situation.
Spokesman of STF, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said personnel were deployed to the area following a distress call from the Mavo community and three of the attackers were arrested. He was silent on the number of casualties.