Fresh machete attack heightens tension between Taraba Marshals, residents

Barely one week after the controversy surrounding the alleged assault that reportedly led to the death of 15-year-old Busang Ayuka, another member of the Taraba State Marshal has been accused of attacking a resident with a cutlass in Takum Local Government Council of the state.

The latest victim, identified as Emmanuel Abonta, a resident of Angwan Cameroon Quarters in Takum, reportedly sustained injuries to his hand following a confrontation with a marshal attached to the council.

According to information gathered, the incident occurred after an argument between the marshal and Abonta allegedly escalated into violence.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the marshal drew a cutlass during the altercation and attacked the victim, inflicting visible injuries on him.

Abonta was immediately rushed to a hospital in Takum, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

The circumstances that led to the disagreement remain unclear, and as of the time of filing this report, neither the state government nor the leadership of the Taraba Marshals had issued an official statement regarding the allegation.

The incident comes at a time when public concern over the conduct of some Taraba Marshals is already high following the reported assault of 15-year-old Busang Ayuka, whose death sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. With the dust from that incident yet to settle, the latest allegation has further heightened anxiety among residents.

Community members who spoke with DAILY POST, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, urging the authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.

Elder Bernard Useni expressed concern over what he described as the increasing misconduct of some marshals.

“The ill-attitude of some Taraba Marshals towards ordinary citizens is becoming a serious concern. A thorough investigation should be carried out to expose the bad eggs within the Marshal,” he said.

Another community leader, Maina Uba, advocated mandatory drug screening for all prospective recruits into the Marshal Corps.

“I believe some of these young men wearing Marshal uniforms are drug addicts. There should be compulsory drug tests for anyone seeking recruitment into the Marshal,” he stated.

Residents also stressed the need for improved training, professionalism, discipline, and stronger oversight of the Marshal Corps to prevent similar incidents.

As investigations continue, many residents are urging the relevant authorities to handle the matter transparently and implement reforms aimed at restoring public confidence while preventing future cases of alleged abuse by security personnel.