30 Farmers Kidnapped, Hundreds of Cattle Stolen As Bandits Terrorize Karim-Lamido Communities

·         Over 80 Tarabans in Bandit Custody, Says Ex-Lawmaker

The security situation in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has reached a critical level, with bandit attacks escalating in Muri 'C' ward, according to former state lawmaker Hon. Tanko Bobbo.

He revealed that in recent days, bandits have kidnapped 30 farmers and rustled over 300 cows in Garau, while previous attacks targeted Ligiri villages in Ndela District and Labbare in Jeb-Jeb.

He said during an attack on  Labbare, ten residents—including six women—were abducted. Three individuals were shot; one died instantly, and the remaining two are receiving treatment in hospital. Bobbo described these attacks as "alarming" and expressed concern over the growing helplessness of residents, who he said no longer trust state authorities to protect their lives and property.

"Over 82 people from Taraba remain in the custody of these bandits, many having spent up to two months in captivity," Bobbo said. "They were kidnapped from their farms while tending their cattle and crops, and continue to endure hunger and suffering at the hands of their captors."

Bobbo personally conducted a 22-hour tour of affected communities, including Ligiri, Mashayan Biri, Labbare, Jeb-Jeb, Kommodoro, Garau, and Telejugu, assessing the damage and raising awareness on security reporting. He revealed that bandits have completely overrun Kommodoro, forcing residents to flee their homes, and warned that similar attacks are now daily occurrences in other communities.

The ex-lawmaker called for urgent action from the Taraba State government, urging the deployment of local hunters—widely feared by the bandits—and increased military presence in key areas such as Andamin, Jeb-Jeb, Garau, and Kommodoro. He also recommended the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Garau immediately, with plans for a permanent military base in Kommodoro.

Bobbo further condemned the Mansur Cattle Market, claiming it has become a hub for bandits to sell stolen cattle openly. "This so-called peace accord signed between bandits and negotiators in Alkaleri LGA has allowed the market to operate under their control. About 80 percent of those transacting at the market are bandits or their security aides," he alleged. He said residents who attempt to reclaim their stolen cattle risk losing their lives, adding that proceeds from the sales are shared among bandits and corrupt security agents present at the market.

Highlighting the human toll, Bobbo noted that the continuous attacks have caused widespread displacement, homelessness, and social disruption. "Many women have become widows, families have been broken, and some marriages dissolved due to the fear and insecurity," he said.

Bobbo urged federal and neighboring state authorities—Bauchi, Plateau, Gombe, and Taraba—to coordinate joint clearance operations with hunters and military units to reclaim affected communities and shut down illicit cattle markets. "Delay in action will only embolden these criminals. Our people are terrified, unable to sleep, and living in constant fear of abduction, killings, and loss of property," he said.

The ex-lawmaker concluded by calling for immediate intervention to restore peace and confidence among residents. "The situation demands urgent government response. Lives and livelihoods are at stake, and we cannot afford to wait until the crisis escalates further," he warned.