Kunini Crisis: Taraba Police Kill 2 Hoodlums in Shootout; Arrest 2 Others

Kunini Crisis: Taraba Police Kill 2 Hoodlums in Shootout; Arrest 2 Others

Following the communal crisis that broke out between two neighbouring communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, the operatives of the Police Command on Friday killed 2 armed hoodlums in a shootout and arrested two others.

However, 2 persons were killed and 6 others injured in clashes between persons from the two neighbouring communities during reprisal attacks.

A statement by Spokesman for Taraba Command, ASP David Misal giving details said, “ said, On the 2nd August, 2018 the Command received a distress call that during a Traditional masquerade festival initiation in Wailawa, there erupted a fracas between the leaders of the festival in Waillawa and some people of community which are of Fulani extraction resulting to some injuries on two persons who were taken to hospital for treatment.

“The situation was brought under control as a result of the prompt intervention of the Lau Divisional Police officer.

“However the following day being 3rd August, 2018 the commissioner of police CP David A. Akinremi deployed additional patrol teams to the area to complement the effort of the Divisional Police officer.

“On arrival a peace meeting involving community leaders from both sides of the ethnic groups in the area was called.

“While the meeting was about to start a gunshot was heard from the surrounding communities which hightened tension amongst the residents of the communities.

“The teams promptly brought the situation under control but some houses had been burnt from both sides with two people killed and six injured.

“While effort was ongoing to restore peace, information was received that Garin Tafida Village came under attack by some hoodlums in a reprisal attack and patrol teams were drafted to the area.

“While on their way they were ambushed by armed men on motorcycles who engaged the team in gun battle.

“The team in a show of bravery confronted the hoodlums and shot two of them to death while two were arrested.

“Items recovered included two motorcycles, five cutlasses, and assorted charms while some of the attackers escaped with bullets wounds.

“The Command wish to reiterate its unwavering commitment towards protection of lives and property of the people of Taraba State and call on the general public to be calm and remain vigilant while reporting mischievous activities of criminal elements to security agencies as all hands are on deck to tackle the security challenges in the State.”

END