Air strikes launched by military fighter jet at Fulani settlements in the Takum local government area of Taraba State, was said to have killed about 1,500 cows belonging to herdsmen.
It was learnt from the witnesses that the air strikes started at about 11am and lasted till 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday around Kashinbila and Tor Donga areas.
A victim identified as Sadu Saidu, lamented that he lost about 120 cows while his brother Sale lost 105 cows during the air strikes.
Sadu said, “We were about to lead our herds to the grazing area when we heard the sound of an approaching aircraft and it came with fire".
“We all ran for our lives and took cover under big trees and within minutes we counted about 700 cows dead and that was the first strike.”
He added that the same aircraft came the following day for another air raid of the two settlements, killing seven hundred and fifty cattles.
Another victim named Musa, said that apart from the cows killed, several ones which were wounded had been disposed in Takum town.
He said the incident had forced hundreds of Fulani herders to move towards Cameroon with their herds.
A resident of Takum, Yakubu Rabiu, said cow meat is now everywhere in Takum and being sold at cheap rate.
The Spokesperson of Taraba police command, Usman Abdullahi confirmed the incident, saying it only happened in Benue and not Taraba State.
He said, “The matter under inquest is in Benue State, not Takum as confirmed to me by the DCO Takum Division please.”
BY SAHARAREPORTERS
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