Police move to arrest culprits in Taraba mob attack

The Taraba State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into a violent incident in Lau Local Government Council that claimed the lives of two men, including a forest guard.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Moorkwap Sebastian Dongshal, said he visited the scene at Mararaban Kunini for an on-the-spot assessment following what authorities described as a case of culpable homicide and retaliatory mob action.

Preliminary findings, according to him, indicated that the incident began when a Forest Guard, Jerry Jimmy, arrested a male suspect while on duty. During the arrest, a confrontation reportedly ensued, during which the suspect allegedly stabbed the officer with a knife, resulting in fatal injuries.


The suspect, later identified as Ya’u Jaro Saidu of Jegem Village in Lau Local Government Area, was subsequently attacked and killed by a mob in what police described as an act of retaliation.

Following the incident, the police commissioner, who met with leaders of the Fulani and Jenjo communities, urged them to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. He stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law.

According to the statement, community leaders pledged to maintain peace and cooperate with security agencies to forestall further violence.

Dongshal has also ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend all those involved in both the stabbing and the mob action.

The command called on residents to remain law abiding and vigilant, urging them to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.

Authorities further reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.