6 displaced persons killed as bandits launch deadly attack in Taraba community

A new surge of violence has rocked Taraba State after rampaging terrorists, widely known as bandits, launched a deadly attack on Amadu community in the Takum Local Government Area, killing six people.

Local sources revealed that the victims were displaced individuals who had sought shelter in the community after fleeing earlier assaults in neighbouring areas.

Multiple sources familiar with the situation said the bandits struck on Monday night, identifying the deceased as Terfa Terhemen, Tyoyinga Ngunan, Sondongu Hangem, Aondoso Tsea, Aondona Mteroga and Onov Nyoko.

Those killed were said to be between twenty-seven and thirty-five years old, while the sixth victim was reported to be around sixty-five.

Another source, a Christian leader whose name is not disclosed for security reasons, told SaharaReporters that the militia responsible for the attack was of Fulani extraction.

“The Fulani militias are responsible for the killing. These killings happen every day. Right now, the residents are protesting,” the cleric told SaharaReporters.

Earlier in November, the Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Police Force commenced an investigation into the alleged invasion of the Chanchanji community in Takum Local Government Area by armed herders.

As the killer-herders sparked fear and tension in the community, residents, including one Terkula Yooso and one Philip Abur, said on Tuesday that armed herders were seen moving into Chanchanji Ward from neighbouring Donga Local Government Area, allegedly planning coordinated attacks on nearby settlements.

Residents said intelligence gathered from within the area indicated that the attackers were plotting simultaneous assaults on Peva–Chanchanji and Kufai Ahmadu towns, both within the ward.

Yooso expressed deep concern over the situation, citing a history of previous attacks blamed on the same group.

“These militants have struck several surrounding villages, displacing thousands. Many residents are already taking refuge in Peva and Amadu. We cannot survive another round of violence,” Yooso said.

The alarm in Chanchanji followed a recent warning by the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Parish, Takum, Rev. Fr. George Dogo, who expressed concern over renewed attacks on communities in the region.

The cleric had earlier noted what he described as a “widening security breach” across parts of the local government.

Residents lamented that the area had become increasingly unsafe due to repeated assaults and delayed government responses.

Earlier also, the Holy Family Catholic Parish, Takum, Taraba State, raised the alarm over renewed attacks by suspected herders on several communities in the Takum Local Government Area, leading to the destruction of farmlands and mass displacement of residents.

The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. George Dogo, disclosed this in a statement released to journalists in Jalingo on Monday, describing the situation as “disturbing and devastating.”

He called for urgent government intervention to avert further bloodshed and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

(SaharaReporters)