The Taraba State Police Command has officially commenced a detailed investigation into the horrifying murder of a 29-year-old Fulani herder, Nura Umaru, whose lifeless body was recently discovered in a dense forest close to Rafin Kada in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. Reports reaching Zagazola Makama reveal that Umaru had vanished on June 22 while tending to his father’s cattle. His father, Umaru Dan Kani, confirmed that Nura failed to return home after setting out with the livestock, prompting an intensive two-day search by the family. Tragically, his remains were found on the morning of June 24, at approximately 7:00 a.m., deep within the bushlands near Rafin Kada. Speaking on the shocking development, DSP Umar Aji, the supervising officer of the local police outpost, disclosed that preliminary evidence pointed to a close-range shooting. The late herder’s body bore severe injuries, with visible signs of mutilation — notably, his intestines were exposed, suggesting a direct and brutal assault from behind. Law enforcement officers immediately moved to the crime scene for comprehensive documentation and body retrieval. According to local police authorities, the victim’s remains have been respectfully handed over to his family for burial in line with Islamic traditions. The police command, in a formal statement, reaffirmed its resolve to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the savage killing. The authorities further pledged to strengthen security operations across the affected region by increasing police patrols and deploying more personnel for surveillance in Rafin Kada, ensuring the area does not witness a recurrence of such violence. The command emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. It stressed that acts of violence, ethnic targeting, and lawlessness will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This incident has heightened concerns around growing security challenges in rural communities in Taraba State, especially where communal tensions have occasionally flared. Local stakeholders are urging both security forces and government bodies to improve intelligence gathering and enhance community policing efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
The Zone A Peoples’ Assembly (ZAPA) has issued a strong appeal to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, urging him to declare a state of emergency on security in response to the escalating violence and widespread displacement currently plaguing many communities. During a press briefing held in Makurdi on Sunday, ZAPA President Fanen Mondo described the ongoing attacks as a series of “coordinated and deadly strikes” allegedly perpetrated by armed herders, including some he believes to be foreign mercenaries. The affected areas include Chito in Ukum, Tor Donga in Katsina-Ala, Turan in Kwande, Aôndoana in Gwer West, Yelwata in Guma, Apa, and Agatu. Mondo emphasized that Governor Alia should not merely declare the emergency, but also personally lead the state’s security interventions while actively engaging the Federal Government to combat the deteriorating situation. “What links all these places is not just the carnage but the deafening silence — a silence from those who should be speaking out and taking action,” Mondo said. He denounced what he called political indifference by state leaders, noting that silence in the face of such attacks could be seen as tacit complicity. “Remaining silent isn’t being neutral — it’s being complicit. And the citizens of Benue understand that clearly,” Mondo asserted. The ZAPA president also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to acknowledge the support given to him by the Benue people during the 2023 general elections and take swift action. He advocated for the deployment of military personnel to the affected areas and the provision of emergency relief for displaced residents. “Benue does not need a quiet leader; we need a proactive field commander who will rise to defend our ancestral lands,” Mondo concluded.
