Fresh attacks by suspected bandits have thrown several communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State into panic, leaving at least five people dead, several others injured, and hundreds of residents displaced.
The renewed wave of violence has also seen the abduction of the village head of Garin-Magaji, Jauro Tace, who was reportedly seized at gunpoint before regaining his freedom after a ransom was allegedly paid.
Communities worst hit by the attacks include Kunini, Jimlari, Garin-Magaji, Donnada and Garin-Dogo, where residents now live in fear amid growing insecurity.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that the five victims were killed in separate attacks linked to kidnapping operations carried out between June 30 and July 27, 2026.
A visit to Lau showed that hundreds of residents, particularly members of the Fulani community, have fled their homes to escape the attacks. Many displaced families are currently taking refuge in Garin-Dogo, the headquarters of Garin-Dogo Ward.
The displaced persons, mostly women and children, said they fled from Ruga Alhaji-Kadiri, Ruga Alhaji-Adamu and Ruga Alhaji-Kamuwa after repeated attacks by armed bandits made it impossible to remain in their communities.
Most of the victims are currently being sheltered at the residence of the Legislative Leader of the Lau Local Government Council, Hon. Dauda.
One of the residents, Joseph Mustafa, described the situation as alarming, saying fear has gripped the entire local government area.
“Nobody in Lau sleeps with both eyes closed anymore because of the activities of these bandits,” he said.
Mustafa recalled that Governor Agbu Kefas had earlier restored peace to the area shortly after assuming office, expressing concern over the resurgence of criminal activities.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Julius, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to him were not returned.
However, a senior government official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, warned that the worsening security situation has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.
According to the official, the continued attacks could trigger food shortages if security agencies fail to act swiftly to restore peace in the affected communities.
At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, our correspondent met two victims of one of the attacks, Musa Umar and Alhaji Abdul Biro, who are receiving treatment after sustaining injuries during an assault on Bumanda village in the Jimlari community.
The victims said the attackers were heavily armed and overpowered residents during the operation.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Taraba State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Msherizar, did not answer calls or respond to text messages sent to him before the filing of this report.