Renewed banditry forces hundreds to flee Taraba communities

Suspected bandits have renewed attacks on several communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing five people, injuring several others and forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes over the past month.

The attackers are reported to have taken control of communities including Kunini, Jimlari, Garin-Magaji, Donnada and Garin-Dogo, where residents say kidnappings and violent attacks have become frequent.

Among those abducted was the village head of Garin-Magaji, Jauro Tace, who was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint and later released after a ransom was allegedly paid.

Residents said the five victims were killed in separate attacks carried out between June 30 and July 27, 2026, mostly during kidnapping attempts.

DAILY POST visited the affected communities and confirmed that hundreds of residents, particularly Fulani families, have fled their settlements and are now taking refuge in Garin-Dogo, the headquarters of Garin-Dogo Ward.

Displaced persons, mainly women and children, said they fled Ruga Alhaji-Kadiri, Ruga Alhaji-Adamu and Ruga Alhaji-Kamuwa to avoid further attacks by the bandits.

Many of the displaced families were seen sheltering at the residence of the Legislative Leader of Lau Local Government Council, Dauda.

Speaking, a resident, Joseph Mustafa, said fear has gripped the entire local government area, with many people unable to sleep peacefully because of the renewed insecurity.

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

Expressing concern over the resurgence of the attacks, he recalled that shortly after assuming office, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas had significantly reduced banditry in the area.

Efforts to reach the Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Peter Julius, for comment were unsuccessful.

However, a senior government official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, told DAILY POST that the renewed attacks had forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.

“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 situation urgently,” the official said.

Meanwhile, DAILY POST visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, where two victims of the attacks, Musa Umar and Alhaji Abdul Biro, are receiving treatment.

The victims, who were attacked by the gunmen in Bumanda village in Jimlari community, said the assailants were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, making it difficult for residents to resist them.

Residents have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify operations in the affected communities to restore peace and enable displaced villagers to return to their homes.