Gunmen have killed a soldier, a local hunter and a pregnant woman during separate attacks on communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, while 15 residents were reportedly abducted.
The attacks occurred in Sarkin Yamma village, close to the Jeb-Jeb area, and neighbouring Ruwan Zafi community, where the assailants reportedly stormed residential areas and opened fire on residents.
A community leader, Tanko Bobbo Andami, who confirmed the incidents, said another soldier sustained gunshot injuries during the assault, while several residents were taken away by the attackers.
He told Daily Trust that five abducted persons were rescued after soldiers and local hunters engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into the forest. However, about 15 others were still being held by the attackers.
Andami expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area, saying repeated appeals for government intervention had failed to prevent further bloodshed.
He urged the Federal and Taraba State governments to urgently strengthen security operations in Karim-Lamido to protect residents from further attacks.
The latest violence comes barely 11 days after gunmen invaded Binnari community in the same local government area, killing more than 60 people, including women and children, in an attack that sent shockwaves across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Taraba State, ASP Victor Mshelizah, could not be reached for comments, as calls to his telephone were unanswered.
Karim-Lamido has remained vulnerable to communal clashes and armed attacks, with residents calling for increased security deployment despite the state government's designation of the area as a security concern.
