Taraba Police Begin Manhunt for Suspects Behind Brutal Killing of Fulani Herder in Wukari Forest

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.