Residents flee as herders launch fresh attack on Taraba communities

A humanitarian crisis is rapidly unfolding in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, as a fresh wave of violent attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders has left communities devastated and residents displaced.

The latest incident, which occurred on Friday, saw armed assailants storm the communities of Munga Lelau and Magami, unleashing terror on unsuspecting villagers.

Eyewitnesses report that homes and properties were set ablaze, and multiple casualties were recorded in the wake of the assault.

The renewed violence has forced scores of residents to flee for their lives, seeking refuge in neighboring towns and makeshift shelters. Families have been torn apart, and many now face severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical care.

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While the police have confirmed four deaths, local accounts suggest the number of victims may be significantly higher. One resident of Munga, who lost both his younger brother and brother-in-law in the assault, described how the attackers arrived on motorcycles and carried out the killings with no opposition.

The mounting insecurity has left affected communities in distress, raising concerns about displacement, food shortages, and access to basic needs in the coming weeks.

He said his brother was caught in the crossfire while returning from the farm.

Residents have since abandoned their homes for fear of further attacks.

The Taraba State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the incident in a text sent to journalists by its spokesperson, James Lashen.

According to him, the attacks occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

The statement reads in part: “Information at my disposal reveals that yesterday, one Isah Ishaku, 15, of Munga Dosso, was attacked and macheted at his farm by an unidentified individual who arrived on a motorcycle.

“Later, around 14:30hrs, some herders, mobilised on motorcycles, attacked Magami and Munga Lelau villages, set several houses ablaze, and killed three persons.

“A combined team of conventional police and PMF personnel, led by the DPO, visited the scene. The team came under attack by the marauders but repelled them, forcing the assailants to flee into the bush, abandoning one motorcycle in the process.

“Victims were evacuated to a primary healthcare centre, where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.”

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, also condemned the attack in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello.

He confirmed that many people were killed in the violence.

The statement reads: “Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has condemned in the strongest terms the violence in Karim Lamido communities, where scores of people reportedly lost their lives and property.

“Describing the carnage as horrendous and unacceptable, Dr. Kefas said such acts only set the state back instead of advancing its progress.

“Recent reports indicate that in a fresh attack, many lives were lost in Munga Lelau community.”

The governor also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing the state from external aggression and other threats.