Amid ongoing violence and widespread mourning in Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas has come under fire for leaving the state just as residents buried over 37 victims of a brutal attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The governor reportedly departed Jalingo via Danbaba Suntai Airport at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Friday, at the same time grieving villagers in Munga, Karim-Lamido local government council, were gathering bodies for a mass burial.

The attack, which occurred on the weekend, is the latest in a series of deadly assaults in Karim-Lamido council.

Residents of Munga expressed frustration over what they described as government abandonment during one of their darkest moments.

“The governor encouraged us to return to our homes, yet he’s nowhere to be found when we’re under siege,” one of the villagers said, adding that, “Where is he now that we’re burying over 37 of our people?”

Community members also criticized security efforts, claiming that local vigilantes and hunters have been left to defend villages with little support from state forces.

“These attackers are not strangers. The governor and military officials met with them just weeks ago. We raised the alarm, but nothing changed,” another resident added.

While the state police commissioner, Emmanuel S.Brete, had visited the area to engage with both villagers and Fulani groups, the 6 Brigade commander, Brigadier Kingsley Uwa, at the time of filing this report, is also on his way to the communities to engage the warring faction in dialogue.

Over the past two weeks, no fewer than 57 people have been reportedly killed in Karim-Lamido, with hundreds displaced. Homes and farmlands have been razed, and dozens remain unaccounted for.

Calls are mounting for Kefas to return and take decisive action to stop the killings.

Community leaders have demanded increased security presence and emergency relief for displaced residents.