The Clergy of Tiv Extraction Forum, representing communities in Bali and Gashaka Local Government Areas of Taraba State, has vehemently demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators behind the heinous assault that claimed the lives of Pastor Jacob Abah, his wife, son, and seven others during a brutal bus attack in Donga Local Government Area.
Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo on Saturday, the forum’s leader, Nathaniel Saawua, decried the silence and apparent neglect from government officials following the tragic incident. Saawua highlighted the plight of the injured survivors, who have been left to fend for themselves without any assistance from authorities.
“It is with a heavy heart that we come forward to address you today on the developments that followed the recent gruesome and barbaric murder of Rev. Abah Jacob and his wife, Marian Abah alongside several other persons by Ichen Militia on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Mararaba in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State,” Saawua stated.
The forum expressed dismay over the lack of communication or visitation from government representatives to the families of the victims, emphasizing the dire circumstances faced by those recuperating from injuries sustained in the attack.
“While we draw the attention of the authorities’ concern to this pathetic and unfortunate situation, we want to call on spirited individuals who are touched by this incidence to come to the aid of these victims and the bereaved by providing succour to them to alleviate some of their physical and emotional pains,” Saawua urged.
The forum applauded the efforts of the police in Bali Division for their assistance in the burial arrangements of the victims and called for a thorough investigation into the ambush and murder of the commuters.
Efforts to obtain a response from the state Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Zainab Jalingo, regarding allegations of government neglect proved unsuccessful. However, the state governor, Agbu Kefas, previously condemned the attack and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.