Insecurity Escalates in Taraba State as Armed Groups Occupy Eight Communities

Residents of eight communities in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State are facing a severe security crisis, with reports indicating that armed groups have effectively seized control of local access routes and are imposing strict movement restrictions on the population. According to community leader Hon. Tanko Bobbo, the affected settlements—Kommodoro, Telejugu, Paskari, Farin-Ruwa, Dinya, Jamaga, Macijin Kirya, and Chibi—are situated near the volatile borders shared by Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi states.

The Nature of the Threat

The situation has created a climate of fear, with residents reporting that armed individuals are systematically looting property, seizing harvested farm produce, and breaking into local businesses. Beyond economic theft, the reports include allegations of severe human rights abuses, including the kidnapping of residents and instances of sexual violence against women. Hon. Bobbo stated that these groups utilize dense forest areas within Plateau State as staging grounds, crossing the border to conduct raids before retreating to their bases.

A significant aspect of the intimidation involves the suppression of information. Residents have been explicitly warned by the armed groups that reporting their activities to security agencies will result in lethal retaliation. This atmosphere of terror has hampered efforts to seek external assistance, as villagers fear for their lives if they are suspected of acting as informants.

Recent Incidents and Kidnappings

The impact of the insecurity is visible in the daily lives of farmers, who are increasingly targeted while attempting to work their land. On Thursday, a farmer was shot while traveling between Jebjeb and Kampani, a border settlement. In a separate incident around 9:00 a.m., another farmer sustained machete injuries to his hand. While 10 of the 15 individuals recently kidnapped in the area have reportedly returned, the circumstances surrounding their release remain unclear, as no official details have been provided regarding how their freedom was secured.

Government Response and Official Stance

The Taraba State Government has acknowledged the instability and is reportedly taking steps to mitigate the threat. According to Hon. Bobbo, these efforts include the mobilization of local hunters, the provision of operational logistics, and the deployment of security personnel to vulnerable border regions. Furthermore, the state government is reportedly pursuing collaborative strategies with neighboring states to address the forest hideouts used by the gunmen.

Despite these reports from community leadership, the official response from law enforcement remains cautious. ASP Victor Mshelizah, the spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Karim-Lamido had no official record of these specific incidents at the time of inquiry. Consequently, the police have yet to verify the details of the reported occupation and ongoing violence.

Conclusion

The situation in Karim-Lamido highlights the complexities of managing security in porous border regions. While community leaders are sounding the alarm over the loss of safety and livelihoods, the discrepancy between local reports and official police records underscores the difficulty in addressing threats that operate in remote, cross-border environments. As residents of communities like Kommodoro continue to seek intervention, the effectiveness of the current state-led security measures remains a critical point of concern for the region.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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