Taraba hunters’ leader killed in clash with suspected bandits

A leader of hunters in Andamin community, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, Shuayibu Danladi Ciroma, has been killed following an encounter with suspected bandits while responding to intelligence about a planned attack on the community.

Ciroma, who was also a member of the Forest Guard Corps, reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during an exchange of fire with the suspected bandits before dying from blood loss.

According to a statement issued on October 13, 2026, and signed by the community leader, Tanko Bobbo Andamin, the incident occurred on Monday evening after security personnel and local hunters received information about a planned attack on Andamin town.

“A joint team of military personnel and hunters mobilised towards the area to prevent the suspected attack but encountered the armed men along the way, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the statement said.

It added that Ciroma was shot in the leg during the confrontation and reportedly lost a significant amount of blood before his death.

According to the statement, members of the team returned to their base after the encounter but later discovered that Ciroma was missing.

“A search team subsequently returned to the scene early the following morning, where his body was found,” Andamin explained.

Mourning the deceased, Andamin described Ciroma as a man who died defending his people, land and humanity.

He also extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Andamin community and fellow hunters over the loss.

The statement called on the Taraba State Government, security agencies and intelligence authorities to intensify efforts to address the worsening security situation in the area.

It expressed concern that insecurity had increasingly disrupted residents’ livelihoods, alleging that many people could no longer travel safely to their farms, attend markets in neighbouring communities or conduct routine business without fear of attacks.

According to the statement, the situation had worsened poverty, hunger and starvation among residents whose economic activities had been affected by persistent insecurity.

It further alleged that although the armed groups initially entered Taraba State from neighbouring states, their activities had reportedly spread closer to local communities.

The community called for urgent and coordinated security measures to protect lives and property, restore peace and rebuild residents’ confidence.

When contacted for confirmation, the Taraba State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, said poor network connectivity had prevented him from reaching the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for details of the incident.

He, however, promised to get back to our reporter as soon as he was able to establish contact with the DPO.