Skip to main content

Fear Grips Taraba Residents Over Incessant Killings, Kidnapping



Residents of Taraba State, especially those in rural areas now live in fear as bandits and kidnappers have invaded their communities.

LEADERSHIP correspondent reports that even Jalingo, the state capital and other urban areas are not spared as residents are frequently killed and abducted for huge ransom before they are freed by the criminals.

Among the victims is the traditional ruler of Yukuben in Takum local government area, Udeng Ibrahim, who was recently kidnapped with his son. They were eventually killed in the process.


Also, suspected Boko Haram members attacked Jouro Manu town in Gassol local government area, killing three people and kidnapping six others.

“At about 1:00am on that fateful day at Jouro Nuvo, a sub-urban of Jalingo, the kidnappers stormed the area on foot while the residents were still in bed, there were heavy gunshots,” a resident said.

Another resident of the area, Mallam Saidu Usman, told LEADERSHIP that the attackers rode on nine motorcycles and shot into the market where the victims were killed.

He said, “They came in the afternoon with two people each on a motorcycle and started shooting at anyone they saw.”

It was also learnt from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state that in one week, three vehicles of their members were intercepted by bandits between Tutare and Maraba villages, on the Jalingo-Wukari Highway. LEADERSHIP findings also indicated that two peasant farmers were kidnapped in the operation and were taken to an unknown destination.

A resident of Jouro Nuvo, Mr Aondoasee Akuhe, where the two peasant farmers were kidnapped, said since the incident occurred, the people no longer sleep with their eyes closed, lamenting that the kidnappers are even after the ordinary people.

Akuhe said, “We used to think it was only rich men that were their targets. Now that no one is exempted, we cannot sleep any more. The government should provide adequate security for the people.”

The police public relations officer, DSP Kwache Bajabu Gambo said the command had deployed the Anti Kidnapping Unit to the areas and appealed to the residents to remain calm and report any suspicious persons or strange activities to the security agencies.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Taraba Governor Approves Cabinet Reshuffle, Redeploys Four Commissioners

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the immediate redeployment of four Commissioners serving in the State Executive Council as part of a cabinet reshuffle. The redeployment, contained in a press release dated August 26, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Esq., affects four ministries. Under the new arrangement, Hon. Peter George moves from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to the Ministry of Water Management and Aquatic Affairs, while Hon. Daniel Ishaku is redeployed from Water Management and Aquatic Affairs to the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation. Also affected are Hon. Bernard Shonzen James Kassa, who moves from the Ministry of Waste Management and Resource Innovation to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Services, and Hon. Philip Habu James, who is redeployed from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Services to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry...

Tinubu approve reconstruction of Numan-Jalingo, Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede, Mayo Selbe–Gembu roads

By Taraba Facts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the completion of the long-abandoned Jalingo–Numan Road, rehabilitation of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road and construction of the Mayo Selbe–Gembu Road has been welcomed as a major development for Taraba State. The approval is expected to address some of the state’s long-standing road infrastructure challenges and improve connectivity between communities, commercial centres and neighbouring states. The Jalingo–Numan Road, which has remained abandoned for years, is considered a critical route for the movement of people and goods between Taraba and Adamawa states. Its completion is expected to ease transportation, reduce travel difficulties and support economic activities along the corridor. Similarly, the rehabilitation of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road and construction of the Mayo Selbe–Gembu Road are expected to improve access to rural communities and boost agricultural, tourism and commercial activities, particu...

Kefas Bans Livestock Rearing in Residential Areas of Jalingo, Imposes ₦50,000 Fine

The Taraba State Government has banned the rearing of animals in residential areas and other parts of Jalingo, the state capital, as part of efforts to tackle environmental nuisance, safeguard public health, and maintain a cleaner and more orderly city. The government also warned that anyone found violating the directive will face an immediate fine of ₦50,000. Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA), Mr. Iliya Kefas, announced the ban during the state's monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Jalingo.