Bandits on Wednesday attacked returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tse Ajogo village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing 17 people.

Eyewitnesses told BusinessDay that eight others were injured, several are still missing, and seven houses were burnt during the attack.

This is the second attack on returning IDPs in Tse Ajogo, a village located about 4 kilometres from Rafin Kada town, in less than two months.

Bernard Atom Atoo Tyokongu and Mwuese Gesa, both residents of Tse Ajogo said the attackers stormed the village around 6 a.m., firing indiscriminately.

“The attackers invaded our village and started shooting at anyone in sight. So far, 17 of our fellow returning IDPs have been confirmed dead. Several people are still missing, and eight have been injured. We are preparing to take them to a nearby hospital,” one eyewitness said.

Aondowase Tor-Orshi, chairman of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Wukari Chapter, also confirmed the attack on the returning IDPs.

Lashen James, Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, had not responded to calls for confirmation as at the time of filing this report. (BusinessDay)