Jelili Gbadamosi
Hundreds of residents have fled their homes in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State following a renewed wave of bandit attacks that has claimed at least five lives and left several others injured over the past month.
The attacks have affected communities including Kunini, Jimlari, Garin-Magaji, Donnada and Garin-Dogo, where residents say kidnappings and deadly assaults have become increasingly frequent.
Among those abducted was the village head of Garin-Magaji, Jauro Tace, who was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint before regaining his freedom after a ransom was allegedly paid.
Residents said the five fatalities occurred in separate attacks between June 30 and July 27, 2026, with most of the victims killed during kidnapping attempts.
A visit to the affected communities revealed that hundreds of displaced persons, particularly Fulani families, have sought refuge in Garin-Dogo, the headquarters of Garin-Dogo Ward.
Most of those displaced, including women and children, fled from Ruga Alhaji-Kadiri, Ruga Alhaji-Adamu and Ruga Alhaji-Kamuwa to escape the violence. Several families are currently being accommodated at the residence of the Legislative Leader of the Lau Local Government Council, Dauda.
A resident, Joseph Mustafa, said fear now dominates daily life in the area as persistent attacks have left many unable to sleep peacefully.
“Nobody in Lau sleeps with both eyes closed anymore because of the activities of the bandits,” he said.
Mustafa recalled that banditry had reduced significantly after Governor Agbu Kefas assumed office but expressed concern over the recent resurgence of attacks.
Efforts to get a reaction from the Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Peter Julius, were unsuccessful.
However, a senior government official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, warned that the worsening insecurity had forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, raising concerns over possible food shortages.
>”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 official said.
Meanwhile, two victims of the attacks, Musa Umar and Alhaji Abdul Biro, are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo. They said the gunmen were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, leaving residents unable to defend themselves.
The affected communities have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify operations against the bandits, restore peace and enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
