Residents of eight communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State are reportedly living in fear as suspected bandits continue to terrorise the area, restricting movement, looting properties and threatening anyone who reports their activities to security agencies.
The affected communities are Kommodoro, Telejugu, Paskari, Farin-Ruwa, Dinya, Jamaga, Macijin Kirya and Chibi, which share boundaries with Plateau and Bauchi states.
A community leader and grassroots mobiliser, Hon. Tanko Bobbo, disclosed that the security situation had deteriorated, leaving residents afraid to seek help or report attacks because of threats of reprisals from the armed groups.
Bobbo also revealed that 10 out of the 15 people recently abducted in the area had regained their freedom. However, he did not provide details about how they were released.
According to him, the suspected bandits operate from forest hideouts in neighbouring Plateau State, from where they launch attacks on Taraba communities, steal farm produce, loot shops and intimidate residents. He further alleged that women had been subjected to sexual abuse by the attackers.
The community leader disclosed that fresh attacks were recorded on Thursday morning, November 5, when suspected bandits shot a farmer travelling to his farm between Jebjeb and Kampani, a border community between Taraba and Plateau states.
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Another farmer reportedly sustained a machete injury to his hand in a separate incident around 9 a.m.
He explained that the attackers often retreat into their forest hideouts in Plateau State after carrying out attacks in Taraba.
Bobbo commended the Taraba State Government for its intervention, including the mobilisation of local hunters, provision of logistical support and deployment of security personnel to protect vulnerable border communities. He added that the government was also seeking cooperation with neighbouring states to dislodge the armed groups.
Meanwhile, the Taraba State Police Command said it had yet to confirm the reported incidents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, said he was attempting to contact the Divisional Police Officer in Old Muri for clarification, adding that the DPO in Karim-Lamido had no record of the reported attacks.
The development has heightened concerns over the safety of residents in the affected communities, as calls grow for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy.
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