About five people have reportedly been killed with many others injured in a clash between the Fulani and Yandang communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
An eyewitness, Mr. Luka Haruna told reporters via telephone that trouble started Thursday evening when Yandang people during the Wailawa Traditional Masquerade Festival procession were attacked by some Fulani youths in Kunini town, in Lau LGA.
Haruna said that situation was brought under control by the intervention of stakeholders in the community, but on Friday it escalated leading to the deaths of the five persons. Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP. David Missal confirmed the development but said only two people were killed and houses destroyed in the incident.
He said the Police Commissioner in Taraba, Mr. David Akinremi, on getting information on the crisis quickly deployed additional patrol teams to complement the effort of the Divisional Police officer in the area.
Police reports say a peace meeting with community leaders from both ethnic groups in the area was called. When the meeting was to start, a gunshot rang out from nearby communities which increased tension in the area. The police officers were however able to restore normalcy.
