Several killed as fresh militia attacks hit Taraba communities

Several people have been killed in fresh attacks on communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State by suspected armed militia, residents and local sources have said.

The violence reportedly began three days ago in Didango village, where gunmen ambushed a group of 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 attack.

Residents said the violence later spread to Gaita, Loba and Lewatha villages in what appeared to be coordinated assaults, forcing many villagers to flee into nearby bushes to escape the attackers.

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

According to him, the affected communities have suffered repeated attacks over the years, resulting in loss of life, the displacement of residents and the destruction of property.

Another resident of Didango alleged that the attackers ambushed a group of farmers returning from their farms, leaving several people injured.

He further claimed that the assailants subsequently launched attacks on other communities, leading to additional casualties and forcing residents to abandon their homes.

Sources in the area also disclosed that the attackers attempted another assault on Gurum village near the Kodai area on Tuesday night. However, the attack was reportedly repelled by local vigilante groups and community members who had intensified security patrols in response to the recurring violence.

A resident, Abubakar Adamu, expressed concern over the continued attacks, warning that the recurring violence poses a serious threat to peace and stability in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.

He lamented that despite several peace meetings and dialogue initiatives involving the affected communities, the attacks have persisted.

“The attacks often occur during the farming and harvest seasons, disrupting agricultural activities, which remain the major source of livelihood for many people in the area,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the latest incidents, while efforts to ascertain the exact number of casualties were ongoing.