Insecurity: Monarch, Son, murdered in Taraba
By Mtindiga Daniel
The 3rd Class Chief Gara of Chanchanji Ward in Takum Local Government Traditional Council of Taraba state HRH, Alh. Tanimu Kunbiya and his son were gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen in the late hours of yesterday while returning from a burial program in Takum.
This tragic incident was said to have occurred along Takum-Chanchanji road yesterday the 19th of July, 2024. This unfortunate incident according to some locals, sparked tensions and mixed feelings around the axis.
President of Tiv Cultural and Social Association TCSA Mr. James Baka in a Press Statement, condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of the Gara of Chanchanji and his son.
He described the incident as unfortunate and tragic, calling on the government of Taraba state and relevant security agencies to diligently investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We unequivocally condemn any act of criminality and will never associate with criminal elements.
The Tiv people of Takum have long coexisted peacefully with the Chamba and Jukun communities in the area, never before we witnessed such a grievous incident. We are committed to maintaining this Harmonious relationship and stand united against any acts of violence that threaten our collective peace.
“As a people, we are deeply saddened and concerned by this event. We urge everyone to remain calm and allow security agencies to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he stated.
He called on the Government of Taraba state and security agencies to act fast to forestall peace in the area. “We call on the government and security agencies to diligently investigate this murder and bring the perpetrators to justice. We appeal to His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas to deploy security forces to calm the rising tensions in the area,” he added.
Similarly, President of Southern Taraba Youths Coalition for Peace STYCOP Amb. Muri Rikwense, also in a Press Release, condemned the senseless attack on the traditional ruler and his son. He said, “We strongly condemned this senseless and cowardly attack on our traditional ruler and his son. This act of violence is not only a direct attack on the peace and stability of our community but also a violation of sacredness of traditional institutions.
His Royal Highness, Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya was a revered traditional ruler who was dedicated to the progress and harmony of our people. His untimely demise is a great loss to the entire community,” he pointed.
The STYCOP President called on security agencies to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to book. “We call on the security agencies to swiftly swing into action and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. It is imperative that those responsible for this despicable act are held accountable for their actions, he stated.
He enjoined the people of Chanchanji and the entire Takum to remain calm and peace especially in this challenging situation.
“In light of this tragic incident, we implore the people of Chanchanji and entire Takum to remain calm and peaceful. We understand the deep sense of loss and anger that this event has caused but it is crucial that we maintain our resolves to stand against any form of violence and lawlessness,” he cautioned.
Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba state Police Command Headquarters DSP Gamboh Kwache while confirming the incident to our reporter over the phone said, the Police received reports on the attack and murder of the Gara of Chanchanji and his son in the late hours of yesterday along Takum-Chanchanji road.
“We received reports that, unknown gunmen ambushed and opened fire on the Gara of Chanchanji on his way back from a burial program in Takum, leaving him dead and his son. Others persons were with them but managed to escape narrowly,” She sated.
She said there was rising tension around the axis but the Police and other sister security agencies have since been deployed to the area to forestall peace and halt further escalation of violence.
“At the moment, there is relative peace in the areas as operatives of the Nigeria Police and other sister Agencies have since being deployed to the area to restore peace and normalcy.
Our teams are working hard to maintain absolute peace and bring the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident to book,” she emphasized.
