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Gunmen Invade Taraba Communities in Alleged Reprisal Attack, Eight Feared Killed
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At least eight persons were feared killed and others injured, following an attack by suspected herders on a Taraba community on Sunday night, witnesses and police have said.
Residents of the area said the attackers, who besieged the communities on motorbikes, first stormed Tudiri village, a settlement of Fulani and Mummuye tribes where they launched the attack before moving to other neighbouring communities.
One of the fleeing residents, Joseph David, said the attack occurred on Sunday evening from about 6 p.m. till midnight.
“For now, eight persons were killed while several others sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals.
“These herders took us unawares, and that’s why they killed our people and properties were destroyed,” he said.
Also corroborating, Misa Bello, a farmer said, ”nomads were allegedly killed by some Kona (tribe), so the Sunday night’s attack could be a reprisal.
“As I am talking now, we all fled for fear of uncertainty. Lives were lost while many houses were burnt by the assailants,” he added.
PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the details.
But the police public relations officer, Taraba state police command, David Misal, confirmed the incident.
He said the gunmen came into the village on motorcycles and carried out attacks.
“On hearing (about) the attack at Tudiri village, some Kona youths mobilised and barricaded ATC, Nukai Federal highway in Jalingo, the state capital where they carried out attacks indiscriminately on innocent persons.
“The Kona youth also burnt down three vehicles, two motorcycles and three tricycles, as well as some houses.”
Mr Misal, who described the action as unlawful, called on the youth to desist from taking laws into their hands.
He said the police is committed to protecting lives and property of Nigerians.
He also said the police could not verify the number of casualties until it concludes its investigations.
Meanwhile, some witnesses said Kurnayel, Sobayi, Wurbayi and Abbare Maikinta as well as Kasuwan Bera ATC, all in Ardo Kola LGA, were also affected.
Premium Times
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
