Suspected bandits take over eight Taraba communities, restrict residents’ movement
Residents of eight communities in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State are grappling with increasing insecurity attributed to suspected armed groups. These groups are reportedly controlling access to the communities, stealing possessions, and threatening individuals who inform security agencies of their activities.
The affected areas include Kommodoro, Telejugu, Paskari, Farin-Ruwa, Dinya, Jamaga, Macijin Kirya, and Chibi, all situated near the borders of Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi states. Community leader Hon. Tanko Bobbo highlighted the difficulties residents face in seeking assistance from security forces due to ongoing threats.
Bobbo stated that, of the 15 individuals recently kidnapped, 10 have returned home, though he did not disclose the circumstances of their release. He asserted that the gunmen operate from forest locations in Plateau State, using these areas as bases to launch raids into Taraba before retreating.
According to Bobbo, the armed groups are involved in stealing harvested crops, breaking into businesses, and intimidating villagers. He also alleged that women in these communities have faced sexual abuse at the hands of the attackers.
The leaders in the region have reported that the armed men threaten residents against reporting their movements to security forces, warning that anyone suspected of sharing information will be killed. On Thursday, the violence escalated when a farmer was shot while traveling to his farm between Jebjeb and Kampani, located along the Taraba-Plateau boundary. Another farmer suffered a machete injury to his hand around the same time.
Bobbo acknowledged that the Taraba State Government is taking steps to address the situation. Measures include mobilizing local hunters, providing logistical support, and deploying security personnel in vulnerable border areas. The government is also seeking collaboration with neighboring states to combat the armed groups operating in their forest bases.
Residents of Kommodoro have recently appealed to local leaders for help, expressing their inability to withstand the repeated assaults and threats. However, the Taraba State Police Command stated they had not verified the details of the reported incidents. According to ASP Victor Mshelizah, the Divisional Police Officer for Karim-Lamido, there were no official records of the incidents at the time of inquiry.
