Mourning gripped the communities of Munga Lalau and Munga Doso in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State, on Saturday as residents laid to rest dozens of people killed in a violent assault believed to have been carried out by armed herders.
The attack took place in the early hours of Friday when more than 50 gunmen on motorcycles reportedly invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately at sleeping residents and setting homes on fire.
Eyewitnesses described the raid as brutal and unexpected.
“Around 42 bodies have been recovered so far, and several people remain missing,” a soldier involved in the rescue operation told reporters.
Suleiman Joel, head of the Munga Youth Forum, confirmed the scale of the tragedy.
“We are still recovering bodies. This was no random act; it was a targeted massacre. People came back home after assurances of safety, only to be killed. How do we break this news to their families?” he lamented.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of the night. Armed with AK-47 rifles and machetes, the attackers went from house to house, killing residents and burning properties.
“They came around 2am, shooting wildly. Many ran into the bushes, but some didn’t survive,” said Soja Emmanuel, who managed to escape.
During the mass burial on Saturday, bereaved families shared their pain and called for urgent action.
Augustine Munga, a community elder who lost two brothers, appealed for swift government intervention to halt further violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The soldiers assisted with the burial here at Munga Lalau. It was a heartbreaking day for everyone,” he said.
Another victim’s relative, who lost four family members, alleged the attackers were hired criminals.
“We believe they were commissioned to carry out this destruction. The gunfire was intense. We fled to the hills and returned this morning to find our homes razed,” he said through tears.
Sarah Bitrus, who lost her husband and two relatives, was overcome with grief and could barely speak.
“My world has collapsed,” she murmured, tears streaming down her face.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba condemned the killings, calling them “horrific and unacceptable.”
In a statement released by his media adviser, Emmanuel Bello, the governor pledged to bring the culprits to justice and ensure lasting peace in the state.
Kefas urged communities to work closely with security agencies, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activities promptly.
The state’s acting Police Public Relations Officer, James Lashen, confirmed the attack, stating that police responded swiftly, causing the assailants to flee.
“A motorcycle was recovered at the scene along with four bodies. Fortunately, no police officers were harmed,” he said.
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