Fresh attacks on Taraba communities leave many dead

Several people have been killed and many residents displaced following coordinated attacks by suspected armed militia on multiple communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Several people have been killed following fresh attacks on communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State by suspected armed militia. Residents said the violence began three days ago in Didango village, where gunmen reportedly ambushed a group of youths returning home after watching an English Premier League match at a viewing centre, killing two young men. The attacks later spread to Gaita, Loba and Lewatha villages in what residents described as coordinated assaults, forcing many people to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

A resident of Mayo-Gauro village, Mr Dauda Bulus, told Daily Trust that the attacks were allegedly carried out by armed militia from a neighbouring community, noting that the affected areas had suffered similar incidents repeatedly over the years. Another resident of Didango, who requested anonymity, claimed that the attackers also ambushed farmers returning from their farms, leaving several people injured before launching further assaults on nearby communities. Residents said the attackers later attempted to strike Gurum village near the Kodai area on Tuesday night but were repelled by local vigilante groups and community members who had intensified security patrols.

Mr Abubakar Adamu, a resident of the area, warned that the recurring attacks were undermining peace and threatening livelihoods in Karim-Lamido, particularly during farming and harvest seasons. “The attacks often happen during the farming and harvest seasons, disrupting agricultural activities, which remain the main source of livelihood for many people in the area,” he said. Confirming the attacks, the Chairperson of Karim-Lamido Local Government Council, Mrs Virginia Baba Bambur, said calm had been restored and that efforts were ongoing to secure lasting peace. “We are working round the clock to ensure that Karim-Lamido remains peaceful,” she said. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said he could not immediately obtain a situation report from the Divisional Police Officer due to communication challenges.

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