Fresh bandits attack have plunged several communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State into fear, leaving at least five people dead, several others injured and hundreds displaced.
The attacks, which affected Kunini, Jimlari, Garin-Magaji, Donnada and Garin-Dogo communities, have also led to the abduction of the village head of Garin-Magaji, Jauro Tace, who was later released after a ransom was reportedly paid.
According to The Guardian, investigations showed that the five victims were killed in separate attacks between June 30 and July 27, 2026, with most of the incidents linked to failed or attempted kidnapping operations.
The worsening insecurity has forced hundreds of residents, mainly Fulani families, to flee their homes. Many escaped from Ruga Alhaji-Kadiri, Ruga Alhaji-Adamu and Ruga Alhaji-Kamuwa, seeking refuge in Garin-Dogo, where displaced families are being sheltered, including at the residence of the Legislative Leader of Lau Local Government Council, Dauda.
A resident, Joseph Mustafa, said the persistent attacks had left residents living in constant fear.
“Nobody in Lau sleeps with both eyes closed anymore because of the activities of the bandits,” he said.
Mustafa recalled that Governor Agbu Kefas had earlier reduced banditry in the area shortly after taking office but expressed concern over the recent resurgence of violence.
A senior government official, who requested anonymity, warned that the insecurity was driving farmers away from their communities and could worsen food shortages if urgent action was not taken.
“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 matter urgently,” the official said.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Peter Julius, were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, two victims of the attacks, Musa Umar and Alhaji Abdul Biro, are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo. The victims said the attackers were heavily armed, making it impossible for residents to defend themselves.
Residents have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen operations in the affected communities, restore peace and enable displaced families to return home.
