There is tension in Numan town and environs on Friday as residents fled, following reports of the killing of six anti-riot policemen in Dowaya village of Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State during a raid.
Sources said the incident occurred when the police were deployed to arrest some Fulani leaders.
No fewer than 60 Fulani women and children were killed in attacks by suspected Bachama militiamen in Numan Local Government Area of the state.
Locals and security sources said the latest clash started late midnight in Dowaya village, where victims of Shafaran, Shawal, Gumara, Kikam and Kadamti village attacks were relocated.
“Perhaps uncomfortable with the presence of the resettled Fulani in their domain, the residents alerted the police of an impending danger.
“The police then launched a night operation to arrest the Fulanis. The operation however went awry as 6 policemen were reportedly killed.
“As I am talking to you more security operatives, including soldiers, were deployed to Dowaya area. The village is now cordoned off.
“There is pandemonium right now in Numan and environs; already residents are fleeing for fear of reprisals,” said a vigilante member who doesn’t want to be named.
A fleeing Fulani man, Modibbo Ahmadu, who resides in a nearby hamlet, said in a telephone chat that, “You know some of our brothers who were displaced are now taking refuge at Dowaya village, where they observe the usual 40 days mourning for killing of their loved ones.
“Just last night we got a distress call that some people in security uniform laid siege to our settlement and shot two youths. So definitely in this kind of situation anything could happen.
“And that’s the situation for now, even we at the neighbouring villages are not safe, and many had fled,” he said.
Contacted, the police spokesman in the state, Othman Abubakar, confirmed there was “problem” in the area but did not elaborate.
“We heard there was problem in Numan, but I will call you back. Presently I am in crucial meeting with the state commissioner of information and other officials,” Mr Abubakar, a superintendent of police, said.
North East Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Mafindi Danburam, in a telephone interview said, “I got report that there was problem in Numan axis when some people in uniform attacked those that were taking refuge at Dowaya.
“I learn they shot two youths. I am trying to get details, please call me back later,” he said.
