Scores Feared Dead As Terrorists Attack Taraba Communities

Several people have been killed following fresh attacks on communities in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State by suspected armed militia.

According to Daily Trust, residents said the violence began about three days ago in Didango village, where gunmen reportedly ambushed some youths returning home after watching an English Premier League match at a viewing centre.

Two young men were said to have been killed in the initial attack.

Sources in the area reportedly revealed that the violence later spread to Gaita, Loba and Lewatha villages in what appeared to be coordinated assaults, forcing many residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

A resident of Mayo-Gauro village, located a few kilometres from Didango, Dauda Bulus, said the attacks were coordinated and allegedly carried out by armed militia from a neighbouring community.

He said the affected communities had suffered repeated attacks over the years, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in Karim-Lamido.

Another resident of Didango, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, alleged that the attackers also ambushed some farmers returning from their farms.

According to him, several persons were injured in the attack before the assailants moved to other communities, where more casualties were recorded.

It was gathered that the attackers attempted another assault on Gurum village near the Kodai area on Tuesday night.

However, local vigilante groups and community members reportedly resisted the attack after increasing security patrols in response to the recurring violence.

Residents said the renewed attacks had created fear across the affected communities, with many people unsure of when it would be safe to return to their homes.

Another resident of the area, Mr Abubakar Adamu, expressed concern that the repeated attacks were threatening peace and stability in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.

He said that despite several peace meetings and dialogue efforts among the affected communities, violent attacks had continued.

Adamu said, “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.”

Residents said the timing of the attacks had worsened hardship in the communities, as many families depend on farming for survival.

When contacted, the Chairperson of Karim-Lamido Local Government Council, Mrs Virginia Baba Bambur, confirmed the attacks.

She, however, said calm had returned to the affected communities, adding that the council was working with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to restore lasting peace.

Bambur said, “We are working round the clock to ensure that Karim-Lamido remains peaceful.”

She assured residents that efforts were ongoing to prevent further violence and strengthen security in the area.

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 in Karim-Lamido due to communication challenges.

He said further details would be made available after receiving updates from officers on the ground.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 28-year-old man suspected of collaborating with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Saidu Buba, was reportedly arrested on June 1 after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations by military personnel in the area.

Naija News reports that the development was disclosed on Wednesday in a publication by a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama.

Makama, who cited security sources, said the suspect was apprehended after he was spotted around the Dumba general area in company with persons believed to be armed terrorists.

According to the report, a tactical drone operated by the Naval Brigade Lake Chad sighted Buba with individuals suspected to be terrorists before the group dispersed.

Security sources said the suspect was later tracked as he moved towards the location of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion.

Troops subsequently intercepted and arrested him for further questioning.

The arrest was said to have followed sustained surveillance activities by troops operating in the Lake Chad axis, where terrorists and their collaborators have continued to exploit remote communities and movement routes.

During preliminary interrogation, Buba reportedly told investigators that he is a cattle rearer from Kwatan Yobe in Kukawa Local Government Area.

He also said he resides north of the Dumba general area and frequently travels between Dumba and Baga.

Military sources said the suspect claimed he was travelling to Baga to visit his sick brother, identified as Illiasu, when he came in contact with suspected terrorists.

According to the sources, Buba admitted that he received ₦1,000 from the suspected terrorists to buy bread for them.