Suspected Bandits Take Over Eight Taraba Communities and Restrict Residents’ Movement

Suspected armed groups are reportedly controlling access to eight communities in Karim-Lamido, Taraba State, stealing crops and other belongings, and threatening residents who share information with security agencies. Community leader Tanko Bobbo said 10 of 15 people recently kidnapped had returned home, without explaining how they were released, and alleged that the gunmen operate from forests in neighbouring Plateau State. Attacks reported on Thursday left one farmer shot between Jebjeb and Kampani and another injured by a machete. Police said they had no record of the reported incidents, while the Taraba government has mobilised local hunters and security personnel in vulnerable border areas.