CAN asks FG to intervene in Taraba violent attacks

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to intervene in the recent spate of attacks in the southern part of Taraba state that has left over a dozen dead.

In a statement by the National Vice President/National President of the Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria (CRC-N), Rev. Celeb O.S Ashima, on Saturday, June 6, 2020, CAN urged the government to do everything necessary to stop the attacks.

CAN was reacting to the recent attack which lead to the killing of Emmanuel Saba Beliya, a clergyman and his pregnant wife, Julian.

“The crisis is degenerating into bloodletting and destruction of personal property. The government should wade in by calling youths to lay down their arms.

“The church condemns violence and bloodlettings. It is sad that at the time Nigerians are struggling with COVID-19, we have these bloodlettings going on here.” Ashima said.

According to reports, the recent attack in Tungwa and Utsua-Daa communities in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State left about 17 dead and houses razed.

A resident of Bagoni near Tungwa, Alh. Sale Umar told Punch Newspaper “that gunmen invaded Tungwa on Thursday and Utsua-Daa on Friday killing 11 people.

“Umar said several houses in the two communities located along Bali-Marararba Road were also burnt in the attacks”.

An update on the report showed that the death toll from the attack had risen to 17 as at Saturday, following fresh attacks on Maigoge and Maihula in Bali Local Government Area, and Ananum and Akate communities in Donga LGA where six more lives were lost.

CAN attributed the attacks to rising tension between Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups in the area.