Bandits kill 18 hunters in Taraba

Bandits have killed 18 hunters in a separate attacks in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

It was learnt that 15 hunters were killed during confrontation with bandits at a mountain area near Maihula town on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the bandits numbering over 200 attempted to attack Bali town the headquarters of Bali Local Government and other surrounding villages but were confronted by the hunters.

The bandits, it was further gathered had more sophisticated weapons than the hunters leading to killing of 15 hunters.

A source in the area, Musa Umar told Daily Trust that 14 hunters were killed at the scene of the fight while many other hunters were injured and one died on the way to Jalingo Hospital bringing the number to 15.

Taraba State Chairman of the Hunters Association, Adamu Dantala told Daily Trust that 15 of his members were killed during an encounter with bandits.

He said the bandits also ambushed his members near Dakka town in Bali Local Government Area and killed three hunters.

“We need government and community support to fully armed us the hunters because we are not given any funds to support families of those killed or treat those injured” he said.

The Kur Bali Chiefdom, Alhaji Mahamud Abubakar, where 15 hunters were killed told Daily Trust that the bandits invaded his chiefdom and attempted to invade Bali town but were stopped by hunters during which 15 hunters were killed.

Police spokesman, SP Usman Abdullah did not answer calls or reply SMS sent to him by our reporter on the incidents.