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Hundreds displaced as bandits unleash terror in Taraba communities

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Fear and uncertainty have gripped several communities in Lau local government council of Taraba state following renewed attacks by suspected bandits, who have killed five people, injured several others, abducted a traditional ruler, and forced hundreds of residents to abandon their homes.

The affected communities — Kunini, Jimlari, Garin-Magaji, Donnada, and Garin-Dogo — have witnessed a surge in violent attacks and kidnapping incidents, with residents alleging that armed groups have continued to operate freely in the area.

One of the victims of the renewed attacks was the village head of Garin-Magaji, Jauro Tace, who was abducted at gunpoint by the assailants. Sources confirmed that the traditional ruler was later released after a ransom was allegedly paid.

Investigations revealed that five persons were killed in separate attacks carried out between June 30 and July 27, 2026, with most of the incidents linked to failed or attempted kidnapping operations.

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A visit to the affected areas showed the growing impact of the insecurity on residents, as hundreds of people, particularly Fulani families, have fled their settlements and are currently seeking refuge in Garin-Dogo, the headquarters of Garin-Dogo Ward.

Many of the displaced persons, including women and children, said they escaped from Ruga Alhaji-Kadiri, Ruga Alhaji-Adamu, and Ruga Alhaji-Kamuwa after repeated attacks and threats from the bandits.

Some of the displaced families are currently taking shelter at the residence of the Legislative Leader of Lau Local Government Council, Dauda, where they are struggling to cope with the sudden displacement.

Speaking on the situation, a resident, Joseph Mustafa, said fear has taken over the local government area as residents now live in constant anxiety.

“Nobody in Lau sleeps with both eyes closed anymore because of the activities of the bandits,” Mustafa said.

He recalled that shortly after assuming office, Taraba state governor Agbu Kefas had succeeded in reducing banditry in the area, expressing concern over the resurgence of violent attacks.

A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the renewed attacks have forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.

According to him, the situation could worsen food insecurity if urgent measures are not taken by security agencies.

“The activities of the bandits have chased farmers away from their communities. There is the likelihood of hunger if the security agencies do not address the matter urgently,” the official said.

Efforts to get comments from the Chairman of Lau local government council, Peter Julius, were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to him were not responded to.

Meanwhile, a visit by our state cirrespondednt to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, revealed that two victims of the attacks, Musa Umar and Alhaji Abdul Biro, are receiving medical attention.

The two victims were attacked by the gunmen at Bumanda village in Jimlari community. They told our correspondent that the assailants were armed with sophisticated weapons, making it difficult for residents to defend themselves against the attacks.

Residents of the affected communities have appealed to the federal government and security agencies to intensify operations in the area, restore peace, and create conditions that would allow displaced villagers to return home.

As the attacks persist, communities in Lau council are left facing growing humanitarian challenges, with fears that continued insecurity could further deepen displacement and disrupt agricultural activities across the area. (Guardian)

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