Crime
One killed, many others abducted as bandits attack Taraba-Benue border community
One person has been confirmed killed, while many others have been reportedly abducted by armed bandits in a border community between Taraba and Benue state.
The bandits allegedly invaded the community on Saturday, forcing residents to flee to Koffai Ahmadu in Takum Local Government Area for safety.
The Chairman of Takum council, Shiban Tikari, confirmed the incident, adding that security operatives have been deployed to the neighboring communities to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Tikari said the invasion was an act of cowardice, adding that efforts were being made to ensure that the displaced community members return to their ancestral homeland.
He said: “One person was killed in the attack and I recovered the corpse and many others were also said to have been kidnapped,” Tikari said.
“Where the bandits invaded, residents there all ran to Koffai Ahmadu for safety, but they were people from Benue State.
“People were also alleging that houses were burnt, but I can also confirm to you that no house was set ablaze as I went to the scene.
“Actually, what really happened is that people are referring to Koffai Ahmadu as the center for the hostilities, but precisely where it took place is at the border between Taraba and Benue states.
“We have put security in place to restore normalcy in the border communities especially the operation whirl stroke whose members are now camping close to the affected community to avert any further breakdown of law and order.”
The council boss added that no suspects had been identified yet.
