Grief-stricken residents of Munga community in Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba State held a mass burial for over 37 victims of a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen on Sunday, while Governor Agbu Kefas was notably absent from the state.

According to local sources, Governor Kefas departed from Jalingo through Danbaba Suntai Airport around 2:45 p.m., coinciding with the time mourners were preparing to lay their dead to rest following the weekend attack.

The massacre is part of a disturbing wave of violence that has engulfed Karim-Lamido in recent weeks, with at least 57 lives lost in the past fortnight alone. Hundreds of residents have been forced to flee their homes, while properties, farmlands, and livelihoods have been destroyed.

"The governor encouraged us to return to our homes, yet he's nowhere to be found when we're under siege. Where is he now that we're burying more than 37 of our people?" lamented one villager who spoke with reporters.

Community members expressed frustration over what they described as inadequate security measures, stating that local hunters and vigilantes have been left to defend themselves against heavily armed attackers.

"These killers are not unknown. The governor and military officials met with the parties involved just weeks ago. We raised the alarm, but nothing was done," another resident stated.

While the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel S. Brete, has visited the affected communities to engage with both villagers and Fulani leaders, the commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, was reportedly en route to the area at the time of filing this report, aiming to initiate peace talks between the factions.

As the death toll continues to rise and dozens remain missing, pressure is mounting on Governor Kefas to return and provide leadership. Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention, including stronger security deployment and humanitarian assistance for those displaced by the violence.

The recent attacks on Munga Lalau and Munga Doso communities have drawn condemnation from various groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Taraba State, highlighting the growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region.