The Police in Taraba State, yesterday, confirmed the death of three persons, while six others sustained injuries in another overnight attack on Maisamari, in Sardauna Local Government Area of the state by a suspected militia group.

Police spokesman in the state, ASP David Misal, who confirmed the incident in Jalingo, the state capital, said the incident took place during a cultural event called Nding-Chin, said to be taking place in the area for the first time.

Misal, who said the area was now calm, disclosed that the Command had deployed additional policemen to beef up security.

Godwin Sol, Acting Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Council, disclosed that the administration had earlier banned all cultural meetings and festivals because of the security situation in the area.

Sol, however, said he was surprised to learn that a group, which mobilised their kinsmen from surrounding villages, held a dance event in Maisamari against the council’s order.

The spokesman said due to the size of the crowd, a time frame within which to complete the exercise and disperse was given.

Sol said at the expiration of the time frame, instead of leaving the town as agreed, the group relocated to the house of one Yaya Ahmadun to continue with the dance, which continued into the night.

“This was when the gunmen attacked the place,” Sol said.

The council boss said the host of the event in Maisamari, as well as leaders of the cultural group have been arrested.