Tension in Taraba as bandits hack monarch, son to death

Tension in Taraba as bandits hack monarch, son to death

Suspected bandits have killed a prominent traditional ruler in Taraba State, the Gara of Chanchanji, Tanimu Kunbiya, and his son, Yusuf.

The traditional ruler and his son were on Friday returning from a funeral service in Takum when they were waylaid and brutally murdered.

Multiple sources including the state government have confirmed and condemned the killing.

Governor Agbu Kefas in a statement said he received with deep sadness the news of the death of the traditional ruler and his son.

The governor’s statement was issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Emmanuel Bello.

He described as tragic how the revered monarch was hacked to death.

The statement added that the governor had ordered the security agents to investigate the circumstances, and go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

The governor, who called for calm from Takum residents, said he would leave no stone unturned to fish out the criminals and bring them to justice.

This is the third time this year that a traditional ruler will be killed by suspected bandits.

President General of Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Taraba State, Chief James Baka, also condemned the situation.

He said in a statement, “As a people, we are deeply saddened and concerned by this event.

“We urge everyone to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

“We unequivocally condemn any act of criminality and will never associate with criminal elements.

“We appeal to His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Governor of Taraba State, to deploy security forces to calm the rising tensions in the area.”