Gunmen strike eight communities in Taraba, 10 captives released

Suspected gunmen have attacked eight communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. This has made it hard for residents to move around freely.

The communities affected are Kommodoro, Telejugu, Paskari, Farin-Ruwa, Dinya, Jamaga, Macijin Kirya, and Chibi. These areas share borders with Plateau and Bauchi states.

Tanko Bobbo, a community leader, said the armed groups have created a climate of fear that leaves residents feeling helpless. He also mentioned that 10 out of 15 people who were recently taken by the gunmen have been freed.

However, he did not share how they were released or if any ransom was paid. He believes the bandits operate from forest hideouts in the nearby Plateau State.

Mr Bobbo claimed that the attackers often invade the communities, steal farm produce, loot shops, and intimidate people. He also said that the armed men have sexually abused women and threatened to kill anyone who reports them to security forces.

These threats have made community members afraid to report attacks or ask for help from security agencies. The situation worsened on Thursday when two farmers were attacked in different incidents near the Taraba-Plateau border.

Mr Bobbo reported that one farmer was shot while heading to his farm between Jebjeb and Kampani, a border community. He added that another farmer was attacked with a machete at around 9 a.m. on the same day.

Mr Bobbo praised the Taraba State Government for its response to these security issues. He said the government has mobilized local hunters, provided support, and directed security forces to protect the vulnerable border communities.

He also mentioned that the government is working with neighboring states to drive the armed groups out of their forest hideouts. Residents of Kommodoro recently told community leaders that the armed groups have overwhelmed them, making them more vulnerable to attacks and intimidation.

Meanwhile, police officials say they have not confirmed the details of the reported attacks yet. Victor Mshelizah, the Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, stated he was trying to contact the divisional police officer in Old Muri for confirmation.

Mr Mshelizah added that the DPO in Karim-Lamido had no record of the reported incidents at the time of this report.