The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed an attack on Bandawa village in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, where suspected herders reportedly set homes ablaze during a late-night assault.
Police spokesperson James Leshen said the incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday and was first reported through a distress call to the Divisional Police Officer in the area. Although officers were deployed swiftly, the attackers had already fled by the time they arrived at the scene.
“About ten houses were set ablaze during the attack,” Leshen stated, adding that a TECNO mobile phone and other items were recovered as evidence. While the police said no fatalities were recorded, local residents claim otherwise.
Speaking to newsmen, Bandawa youth leader Ishaya Peter described the attack as “unprovoked, barbaric, and condemnable.” He alleged that armed herders stormed the village while residents were seated and discussing. “We tried to raise the alarm earlier in the day, but nothing was done,” he said.
Peter added that one resident died while attempting to flee across a river and that many women and children have since been evacuated due to fears of further attacks.
This latest incident comes just two months after a similar attack in the same community left three people dead and several others injured, raising fresh concerns about ongoing insecurity in rural parts of Taraba State.
