By Ibrahim Abdul’Aziz

Fishermen in Taraba State now count losses and seek alternative means of livelihood following the outbreak of a strange disease in the popular River Ibi in Ibi Council of the state.

” This strange disease had continued to kill thousands of fishes in this river, and we are seriously affected as it affects our mean of livelihood ,” said Musa Baba a local fisher.

He further stated that thousands of dead fish have been a regular feature in the area over the last few days.

The caretaker committee chairman of the council, Bala Bako, confirmed that the outbreak was “quite serious” and had taken its toll added that the fishermen in the area discovered the disease like spots on the bodies of fishes.

The caretaker chairman, who said the disease is yet to be identified, said the fishermen had drawn the attention of the leadership of the council to the “bad incident” stating that “many fishes died as a result of the disease.”

Also speaking the traditional ruler of the council, Alhaji Abubakar Danbawuro, said on hearing the incident, he and Bako immediately reported the issue to the state government.

In the meantime, the state ministry of Agriculture and water resources are yet to comment on the outbreak of the disease as officials of the ministries declined to comment.