Fresh Militia Attacks Leave Several Dead, Communities Deserted in Taraba

Fresh violence has erupted in parts of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, with several persons reportedly killed and many others displaced following a series of coordinated attacks by suspected armed militia on rural communities.

The latest wave of attacks, which has thrown residents into panic, reportedly began in Didango village when armed assailants ambushed a group of youths returning from an English Premier League viewing centre.

Two of the youths were said to have been killed instantly, while others narrowly escaped with injuries.

Following the initial assault, the attackers reportedly extended their operations to neighbouring communities, including Gaita, Loba, and Lewatha villages.

The raids forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in nearby bushes and safer locations, leaving the affected communities largely deserted.

Residents who spoke on the development described the attacks as devastating, lamenting the recurring cycle of violence that has continued to plague the area despite repeated peace-building efforts by community leaders and government authorities.

A resident of Mayo-Gauro, Dauda Bulus, alleged that the attacks were carried out by heavily armed militia members from a neighbouring community.

According to him, the affected villages have suffered years of deadly confrontations that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents.

“These attacks have become a recurring nightmare for our people. Many families have lost loved ones, homes have been destroyed, and people continue to live in fear. The situation is becoming unbearable,” Bulus said.

Another resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, claimed that several farmers returning from their farms were ambushed during the attacks. He disclosed that many sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment, while some remain unaccounted for.

The source further alleged that the attackers moved from one settlement to another, targeting vulnerable communities and creating widespread panic among residents.

Community sources also revealed that an attempted attack on Gurum village, located near Kodai, was successfully repelled on Tuesday night by local vigilante groups working alongside residents.

The villagers reportedly mobilized quickly after receiving intelligence about the planned invasion, forcing the attackers to retreat.

The latest attacks have heightened fears among residents who say they are increasingly losing confidence in their safety as violence continues to resurface despite numerous reconciliation meetings and dialogue initiatives aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.

Expressing concern over the worsening security situation, community leader Abubakar Adamu warned that the persistent violence poses a serious threat to peace, economic activities, and social stability across Karim-Lamido and surrounding communities.

According to him, the timing of the attacks is particularly troubling as they often coincide with farming and harvest seasons, disrupting agricultural activities that serve as the primary source of livelihood for thousands of residents.

“These attacks frequently occur during periods when farmers should be cultivating or harvesting their crops. As a result, many people are afraid to go to their farms, which affects food production and deepens economic hardship in the area,” Adamu stated.

He called on security agencies and the Taraba State Government to take decisive measures to address the recurring crisis, strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the attacks. The exact number of casualties also remained unclear, as efforts were still ongoing to assess the extent of the damage and account for missing persons.

The latest violence adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Taraba State, where inter-community conflicts and militia attacks have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, and the fragile peace in several rural communities.