Bandits torment eight Taraba communities, 10 captives freed

Residents of eight communities in Taraba State's Karim-Lamido Local Government Area are grappling with escalating insecurity, as suspected armed groups control access to their settlements, loot belongings, and threaten those who attempt to report their activities to security agencies. The impacted settlements, situated near the borders of Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi states, include Kommodoro, Telejugu, Paskari, Farin-Ruwa, Dinya, Jamaga, Macijin Kirya, and Chibi.

Community leader Hon. Tanko Bobbo brought the issue to light, stating that residents find it challenging to seek assistance from authorities due to the constant threats. According to Bobbo, 10 out of the 15 recent kidnappings in the region have been recovered, but the manner of their release remains undisclosed. The suspected gunmen reportedly use forest locations in Plateau State as their operational bases, from which they launch raids into Taraba before fleeing.

Their activities encompass stealing harvested crops, breaking into businesses, and subjecting villagers to intimidation, with allegations of sexual abuse against women in the affected areas. The armed men have also warned residents against reporting their movements to security forces, threatening to kill anyone suspected of sharing information.

On Thursday, two more farmers were attacked - one shot while traveling to his farm and another injured with a machete. Bobbo acknowledged the efforts of the Taraba State Government in addressing the situation, including the mobilization of local hunters, provision of logistical support, and deployment of security personnel to vulnerable border regions.

The government is also seeking collaboration with neighboring states to tackle the armed groups in their forest strongholds. Residents of Kommodoro have recently sought the intervention of local leaders, expressing their inability to endure the repeated attacks and threats. However, the police have not confirmed the details of the reported incidents.