Nigeria: Tangale Community Condemns Devastating Attack By Suspected Fulani Herdsmen

By Iliya Kure

In a deeply tragic and alarming event, suspected Fulani herdsmen executed a violent assault on the Tangale communities of Sansani, Kalindi, and Powishi Kalmai, causing significant damages.

The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, left the Tangale people reeling with shock and grief. Armed attackers on motorbikes invaded the villages, shooting residents indiscriminately. The brutal assault resulted in the deaths of two individuals in Powishi Kalmai.

The first victim was mercilessly killed on his farm around noon. He had refused to let the herders’ cows graze on his land, prompting a confrontation where the herders killed him with a machete. The villagers came out to face the situation, but the herders left the village.

Later that same evening, at approximately 11 pm, the herdsmen returned to the village, driven by anger. They set numerous houses ablaze and rustled a significant number of cattle. An elderly man, a retired soldier, was killed, also stabbed to death with a machete.

Over 50 houses and grain barns were burnt; initially, petrol was used to set them on fire. When the petrol ran out, they resorted to burning thatched huts roofed with grasses.

One injured individual is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Earlier, the herders had attacked farmers in Sansani village, forcing the villagers to abandon their farms. The residents were spared from harm as they fled for their lives.

In Kalindi village, the herders injured three people. One victim required hospital treatment to remove an arrow from his body.

The herders’ aggressive actions in these villages have left a profound impact on the Tangale communities. Residents now face the arduous task of rebuilding their lives, homes, and sense of security.

The repeated nature of such attacks has instilled a deep-seated fear and uncertainty among the people, who yearn for lasting peace and stability.

Community Reaction

The National President of Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA), Mr. Phinas Gambo, strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep displeasure and frustration over the absence of security personnel during the incident. “The sad and unfortunate incidence took place with no men of the security agencies present to curtail occurrence,” he lamented.

Mr. Gambo called for the government and security agencies to move beyond mere rhetoric and take proactive measures to prevent such recurring annual attacks.

He emphasized the necessity for a more vigilant and proactive approach from the Local Government Council, especially given the historical pattern of these attacks occurring around this time each year.

According to him, “They must mobilize and deploy enough officers to the affected communities and their environs to restore confidence in people as an immediate response.”

He urged local leaders and security agencies to collaborate in ensuring the safety and security of the Tangale community.

Mr. Gambo also highlighted the psychological toll these attacks have on the community, stressing the need for support services to help residents cope with the trauma.

He appealed for humanitarian aid to assist those who lost their homes and livelihoods in the attacks.

The TCDA and local leaders are committed to advocating for better security measures and ensuring that such attacks do not continue to plague the Tangale community.

They plan to engage with relevant authorities to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from similar threats in the future.

Through collective effort and sustained pressure, the Tangale community aspires to create a safer and more secure environment for its people.

Police Statement

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Gombe State Command, Buhari Abdullahi, has confirmed the attack in an official statement.

“In the early hour of 12/12/2024 at about 0100hrs, information was received from the Divisional Police Officer Billiri LGA, that a group of people on motorbikes suspected to be herders armed with dangerous weapons, invaded and attacked Powishi village, set some number of houses ablaze and rustled unknown number of animals,” he remarked,

He added that upon receiving the information, a combined team of police officers and 301 artillery regiment, led by the Area Commander Billiri, was promptly mobilized and dispatched to the scene to contain the situation.

Unfortunately, by the time the security forces arrived, the assailants had already fled the village, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.