Clashes between the Jukun community and some Muslim faithful in Wukari, Taraba state have killed at least 39 people.
Violence broke out on Friday, leaving the entire town in perpetual fear, DailyPost has gathered.
In a phone interview with DailyPost, a resident who pleaded anonymity said that a 24-hour curfew had been imposed, and the people were currently going through hard times.
She said trouble started when members of the Jukun were marching through the small commercial town of Wukari to a funeral when an argument broke out with local Hausa and Fulani youth who queried why they were taking a route where they had gathered to pray. According to her, “when they stopped them from taking that route, they had wanted to turn back, however, some had argued that they must take the said route, considering that they are the real indigenes of the place and that it was wrong for anyone to be dictating for them in their own place. When they tried to force their way through, one of them was stabbed by one of the Hausa youth, which degenerated into fierce battle with guns and machetes.”
She said that over 40 houses were razed in the violence.
Taraba state Police Spokesperson, Joseph Kwaji while speaking on the impact of the clashes said “at the end , 39 people were counted killed,”
He equally confirmed that over 32 people were injured and 40 have already been arrested in connection with the crisis.
Sources have revealed that many residents of Wukari have crossed over to neighboring Zakibian and Katsina- Ala, all in Benue state as crisis situation in the area remains tensed.
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