Bandits kill soldier, pregnant woman, and take 15 people in Taraba

Suspected bandits have killed a soldier, a local hunter, and a pregnant woman during attacks in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. More than 15 residents were also taken away by the attackers.

The attacks happened around 4 p.m. on Tuesday in Kuka Sarkin Yamma and Ruwan-Zafi communities. This comes just two weeks after many people were killed in Binnari community in the same local government area.

Tanko Bobo, a community leader from Ruwan-Zafi, said security forces and local hunters chased the attackers to rescue the kidnapped residents but faced heavy gunfire.

Mr Bobo mentioned that the fight led to the deaths of a soldier and a local hunter, although some residents were saved. He added that the attackers also killed a pregnant woman during the invasion of Ruwan-Zafi.

“The bandits once again attacked our communities and picked 15 persons. While the military and local hunters were going after them to rescue the abductees, one soldier and a local hunter were killed. They were able to rescue a few persons from the bandits’ hands,” he said.

Mr Bobo showed worry over the ongoing attacks. He said residents were feeling helpless as insecurity keeps threatening communities in the area. He noted that this latest incident has made fear grow among residents, just 12 days after the deadly attack on Binnari, where at least 52 people were reportedly killed.

“Everybody is living in fear now. We thought the incident of last week had come and gone, but unfortunately, it has happened again. We are becoming helpless here in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area,” he added.

The fresh violence comes as the Taraba State Government is trying to improve security efforts across the state. Governor Agbu Kefas visited the newly opened 10 Division of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday to boost security cooperation.

As of now, the Taraba State Police Command has not released an official statement on the latest attack. The command’s spokesperson, Victor Mshelizah, could not be reached by phone for comments.