Nigeria deploys troops amid ethnic violence in Taraba

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - The Nigerian government on Thursday deployed troops to the northeastern state of Taraba where clashes between local farmers and herdsmen have resulted in multiple deaths and displacements.

"Acting President Yemi Osinbajo condoles with the victims of the recent violent attacks in a number of communities in Taraba State, where deaths have been reported," presidential spokesman Laolu Akande said in a statement.

"Acting President Osinbajo has therefore ordered the deployment of an extra military battalion, police reinforcements and also a deployment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps to the areas affected," the statement added.

This came hours after Fulani communities wrote to the president alleging genocidal killings and calling for more security.

Local media have said nearly 100 people have been killed in the latest wave of violence in Taraba. There is no official confirmation for the death toll.

Nevertheless, the president condemned the violence and directed that relief materials be sent to all the affected villages, according to the statement.

"The Acting President summoned and held an emergency meeting with top security officials of the Federal Government and Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku," the statement added.

Taraba, like other agrarian Middle Beltan states, has been a hotbed of ethnic clashes often between farmers and herdsmen. Experts say the crises are a fallout of the climate change, struggle over scarce resources and grazing rights.