Gunmen
Fear has returned to communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State after suspected bandits launched another deadly attack, killing a pregnant woman, a military personnel and a local hunter while abducting several residents.
The latest attack occurred barely 12 days after gunmen suspected to be bandits invaded Binnari community in the same local government area, killing no fewer than 52 people and leaving residents in mourning.
The fresh incident reportedly happened on Tuesday at about 4pm when the attackers stormed Kuka Sarkin Yamma and Ruwan-Zafi communities with heavy weapons on motorcycles.
Residents said the attackers shot sporadically to scare villagers before moving from house to house to abduct residents.
A community stakeholder from Ruwan-Zafi, Mr Tanko Bobo, said the bandits escaped with more than 15 people before security personnel and local hunters moved to rescue the victims.
According to him, a soldier and a local hunter were killed during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers while attempting to recover the abducted residents.
“The bandits once again attack our communities, they picked 15 persons, while the military and local hunters were going after them to rescue the abductees, one soldier and a local hunter was killed, they were able to rescue few persons from the bandits hands,” Bobo said.
He added that the attackers also killed a pregnant woman during the operation, causing renewed fear among residents who were already struggling to recover from previous attacks.
“As they proceeded, the bandits shot and kill a pregnant woman at Ruwan-Zafi community, everybody is leaving in fears now, we were thinking the event of last week has come and gone, but is unfortunate that it has occurred again, we are becoming helpless here in Kalim-lamido local government area,” he said.
The latest attack has deepened concerns over insecurity in the area, as residents continue to demand stronger security measures to protect communities from repeated attacks, killings and abductions.
The incident occurred as families affected by the earlier Binnari attack were still mourning their loved ones and trying to rebuild their lives after the devastating loss.
Security agencies have continued operations in affected communities as authorities work to contain the activities of criminal groups operating in parts of Taraba and other neighbouring states.
The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, had on Tuesday visited the newly established 10 Division of the Nigerian Army as part of efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Command, Victor Msherizar, could not be reached for confirmation of the incident at the time of filing this report.
The recurring attacks highlight the growing security challenges facing rural communities in Taraba, where residents have repeatedly suffered from killings, kidnappings and displacement caused by armed groups.
