Tension has escalated in Taraba State following a deadly attack in Tor-Damisa community, Donga Local Government Area, where suspected militia members killed three police officers and five civilians.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has sparked fear among residents and renewed concerns over insecurity in the region. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as heavy gunfire forced people to flee for safety.
Some residents affirmed that the attackers stormed the community at about 1 p.m., firing indiscriminately and overwhelming the area within a short time.
A witness said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, causing widespread panic. “They came shooting, and people started running in different directions. It was complete chaos,” he recounted.
Personnel from the Donga Police Division reportedly responded swiftly after receiving distress calls. However, the situation took a tragic turn when the officers were allegedly ambushed by the attackers.
Sources said the assailants opened fire on the operatives during the encounter, resulting in the deaths of three officers.
The Chairman of Donga Local Government Council, Yahaya Iki, confirmed the attack and assured residents that steps were being taken to restore calm. He stated that additional security forces, including military personnel, would be deployed to the area to protect lives and property.
Read also:
- Tiv leader cautions against inflammatory statements over Taraba killings
- Taraba killings: Group accused Ishaku of complacent
- Taraba Bishop raises alarm over renewed killings, mass displacements in Southern zone
Reinforcements from the 93 Battalion in Takum were later sent to the community, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Despite this, residents say fear remains high and have called for a sustained security presence to prevent further violence.
Reacting to the development, the Taraba State Police Command said it could not immediately verify the number of casualties but confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
“Investigation is currently ongoing. A press statement will be issued soon,” a police spokesperson said.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in the area, raising fresh concerns about the safety of rural communities and the need for stronger, proactive security measures.
