A regional resident, Mallam Nasiru Umar Gassol informed The PUNCH that the terrorists have actually been camping in the forest for the previous months, but just started kidnapping individuals a few weeks ago.

“We are aware of their existence in the forest and I wish to think security firms too understand their camp in the location.

“Just just recently, they kidnapped two Fulanis; one from Maraban Gassol, the other from Tella, and a substantial quantity of cash was paid to them as ransom before they were released.

“Following this development, the local vigilantes mobilised to flush them out of the forest, but unfortunately, the informants of the terrorists signaled them and they quickly mobilised and ambushed the vigilantes, eliminating no less than 40 of them,” Nasiru stated.

Another citizen included that gun fight between the terrorists and the vigilantes required locals of Karal, Badija and Karbawi to get away the area to Mutum-Biyu for security.

On his part, a former chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the State, Alhaji Mafindi Danburam verified the event to journalists but said the casualty figure could not be determined.

According to him, the vigilante group of Fulani disciplinary committee which of Pulako acting upon intelligence that there was a camp in Karal area of Gassol LG real estate terrorists mobilised to flush them out however were ambushed and much of them were killed and scores injured.

He stated, “The actual number of victims is yet to be determined as many individuals are still missing. The mission of the Fulani Vigilantes and Pulako was to eliminate the crooks from their hideout in the Karal forest. They have prospered in flushing bad guys in two camps in Bali Local Government Area and they were on a similar mission to eliminate those terrorists in Gassol.

“We blame this unfortunate event on the absence of assistance from the state federal government. The Commissioner of Police in the State has actually provided the vigilantes a Hilux van and four workers connected to them, however the cops were in Kurmi for another assignment when the incident took place.

“We began this operation in August last year, however as I am speaking, we have not received any form of support from the state federal government. We have actually composed numerous correspondences and sent text messages to the government without any response.

“If the federal government had actually supported our efforts and attached 10 soldiers and cops to the vigilantes on patrol to eliminate the bad guys, the casualties would not have actually been that much.

“We wish to get in touch with the federal government to assist us. These terrorists from Zamfara are now in Taraba State. They combated people in Kanan and Wase areas of Plateau and have actually now crossed to Taraba.

“We are appealing to the federal government since Fulanis are at the getting end of these criminal activities. Daily, our individuals are offering their cows and paying N20m, N25m as ransom in the bush.”

“Even individuals residing in town are not spared. These terrorists are installing obstructions and are kidnapping people for ransom.

“We are appealing to the federal government to help security firms and the vigilantes to eliminate these terrorists. We will not enable Taraba to be like Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto Kebbi and Niger,” Danburam swore.

ToriNG