Terrorists Brutally Murdered Chairman, Conference of Evangelists, Wife’s Whereabouts Unknown
In a heart-wrenching turn of events on the evening of Friday, January 26th, 2024, Southern Taraba State witnessed yet another episode of unrelenting violence that claimed the life of prominent Evangelist Jehu Funde. The attack believed to be orchestrated by Fulani militia, unfolded as the cleric and his wife were returning from a conference and decided to visit their extended family in the village.
Evangelist Jehu Funde, the Chairman of the Reformed Church Christ in Nigeria (RCCN) Conference of Evangelists, and his wife embarked on a journey that would tragically end in bloodshed. Having attended a conference, they chose to extend their trip to visit relatives in the village before heading back to their stations. Little did they know that their decision to take this detour would lead them into the clutches of unspeakable horror.
As the couple made their way back, the Fulani militia ambushed them with a level of brutality that sent shockwaves through the community. Evangelist Jehu Funde was mercilessly attacked, the assailants wielding machetes in a gruesome assault that claimed his life. Amid the chaos, the whereabouts of his wife who ran into the dense bush, is at the moment unknown.
The couple’s daughter, who was traveling on a bike and witnessed the horrifying ambush from a distance, made a swift U-turn to preserve her own life. The realization of the danger unfolding before her eyes prompted a desperate bid for safety, leaving her with the haunting memory of her parents falling victim to the brutal assailants.
Reports from the ground paint a grim picture of the situation, with more than 30 individuals falling victim to these attacks in the month of January alone. The attacks have not only resulted in loss of life but have also left many families shattered, grappling with the trauma of the unrelenting violence that has become a stark reality in their daily lives.
The aftermath of this attack has left the Southern Taraba community in mourning, grappling with the emotional toll of losing a revered religious leader. The atmosphere is thick with sorrow and disbelief as residents come to terms with the fact that Evangelist Jehu Funde, known for his compassion and dedication, is no longer among them.
Amid the tragedy, unconfirmed rumors are circulating that the attack may have been coordinated to prevent the Kuteb community from reclaiming their kingship as the majority tribe in the area. These speculations add a layer of complexity to an already devastating situation, raising questions about the motives behind the targeted violence that has left many families shattered.
The international community is now urged to turn its attention to the escalating crisis in Southern Taraba, where innocent lives are being lost, and communities are being torn apart. Human rights organizations are calling for a thorough investigation into the motives behind these attacks and swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As Southern Taraba grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is evident that urgent intervention is needed to address the root causes of the violence and provide support to the affected communities. Until meaningful steps are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents, the cycle of fear and tragedy threatening the region’s existence remains unabated.
