Taraba Bloodbath: Bandits Kill Pregnant Woman, Soldier, Hunter, Abduct 15 Villagers

At least three people, including a pregnant woman, a military personnel and a local hunter, have been killed after suspected bandits launched a fresh attack on communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The attackers also abducted over 15 residents during the invasion, which occurred at Kuka Sarkin Yamma and Ruwan-Zafi communities on Tuesday evening.

The latest incident has heightened fears among residents, coming barely 12 days after suspected bandits killed no fewer than 52 people in Binnari community, also in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.

The armed men, who arrived on motorcycles carrying heavy weapons, reportedly opened fire to scare residents before moving into homes and taking away victims.

A community stakeholder from Ruwan-Zafi, Mr Tanko Bobo, said the attackers engaged security personnel and local hunters who pursued them in an attempt to rescue the abducted residents.

He said the operation turned deadly as a soldier and a local hunter were killed during an exchange of gunfire with the bandits.

“The bandits once again attack our communities, they picked 15 persons, while the military and local hunters were going after them to rescue the abductees, one soldier and a local hunter was killed, they were able to rescue few persons from the bandits hands,” Bobo said.

He added that a pregnant woman was also killed by the attackers at Ruwan-Zafi community while they were escaping from the area.

“As they proceeded, the bandits shot and kill a pregnant woman at Ruwan-Zafi community, everybody is leaving in fears now, we were thinking the event of last week has come and gone, but is unfortunate that it has occurred again, we are becoming helpless here in Kalim-lamido local government area,” he said.

Residents said the fresh attack has worsened the trauma in the communities, as families affected by the earlier Binnari killings were still mourning their loved ones and trying to recover from the incident.

The repeated attacks have raised concerns over the growing activities of armed groups in parts of Taraba State and the safety of rural communities.

The development also occurred as Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, visited the newly established 10 Division of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday to discuss measures aimed at strengthening security in the state.

Security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to track the attackers, rescue those abducted and restore confidence among affected communities.

The spokesperson of the Taraba State Police Command, Victor Msherizar, could not be reached for confirmation of the incident at the time of filing this report.

The latest violence adds to the growing security challenges facing Taraba communities, where residents continue to demand urgent action against recurring attacks, killings and kidnappings.