A fresh wave of suspected bandit attacks has thrown several communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State into chaos, leaving at least five people dead, several others injured, and hundreds of residents displaced over the past month.
Residents say the attacks have intensified across multiple villages, with armed criminals carrying out repeated kidnappings, killings, and violent raids that have forced many families to abandon their homes.
Communities Under Siege as Insecurity Worsens
The affected communities include Kunini, Jimlari, Garin-Magaji, Donnada, and Garin-Dogo, where residents say criminal gangs have become increasingly active in recent weeks.
Locals claim the attackers now operate freely in parts of the area, carrying out kidnappings and armed assaults that have left many people living in fear.
One of the most notable incidents involved the traditional ruler of Garin-Magaji, Jauro Tace, who was reportedly abducted at gunpoint before regaining his freedom after an alleged ransom payment.
Five Killed in Separate Attacks Within One Month
Residents disclosed that the five victims lost their lives during separate attacks carried out between June 30 and July 27, 2026.
According to locals, most of the deadly incidents occurred during attempted kidnappings, with heavily armed gunmen attacking unsuspecting residents.
The growing violence has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation across Lau Local Government Area.
Hundreds Flee Homes as Villages Empty
The worsening attacks have triggered a mass displacement across several settlements.
Hundreds of residents, particularly Fulani families, have reportedly fled communities such as Ruga Alhaji-Kadiri, Ruga Alhaji-Adamu, and Ruga Alhaji-Kamuwa, seeking safety in Garin-Dogo, the headquarters of Garin-Dogo Ward.
Most of the displaced persons, including women and children, said they abandoned everything behind to escape further attacks.
Many of the fleeing families are currently taking shelter at the residence of the Legislative Leader of Lau Local Government Council, Dauda, after escaping the violence.
Residents Say Fear Has Taken Over Lau
A resident, Joseph Mustafa, described the situation as terrifying, saying people now live in constant fear because of the renewed attacks.
“Nobody in Lau sleeps with both eyes closed anymore because of the activities of the bandits,” he said.
Mustafa also lamented that security had improved significantly shortly after Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas assumed office, but noted that recent attacks suggest the criminal activities have resurfaced.
Farmers Abandon Farmlands Amid Security Threat
A senior government official, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly, revealed that the worsening insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their farms.
The official warned that continued attacks could severely affect food production if security agencies fail to restore peace quickly.
According to the source:
“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 development has raised concerns over possible food shortages in affected communities if residents remain unable to return to their farms.
Injured Victims Receive Treatment in Jalingo
Two victims of the attacks, identified as Musa Umar and Alhaji Abdul Biro, are currently receiving medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo.
The victims were reportedly attacked in Bumanda village within the Jimlari community.
They recounted that the gunmen were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, making it nearly impossible for villagers to defend themselves during the assault.
Residents Demand Urgent Security Intervention
As attacks continue across Lau Local Government Area, residents have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to launch stronger security operations across the affected communities.
They are calling for immediate action to end the recurring attacks, restore peace, and enable displaced families to safely return to their homes.
