At least 17 people have been reportedly killed in a brutal attack on returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tse Ajogo village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. The attack, which occurred early Wednesday morning, also left several others missing, raising fears of a larger casualty count.
Sources say the assailants, suspected to be members of the Jukun militia, launched a coordinated raid on the village around 6 a.m., using dangerous weapons and firing indiscriminately at both residents and returning IDPs. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as families fled in all directions to escape the violence.
This latest attack marks the second time in two months that returning IDPs in Tse Ajogo have come under assault. Many residents had only recently returned to their homes after being displaced by previous outbreaks of violence in the area.
“The attackers stormed the village with guns and machetes. They moved from house to house targeting returning IDPs. Several people are still unaccounted for,” a source familiar with the situation said.
The violence in Tse Ajogo is part of a wider pattern of attacks targeting vulnerable communities in Taraba State, where clashes between local ethnic militias and armed groups have displaced thousands of people over the years. IDPs returning to their homes face significant risks, including attacks on their property, livestock, and lives.
Taraba State has been grappling with sporadic communal clashes, particularly between the Jukun and related groups. These conflicts are often fueled by disputes over land, grazing rights, and political influence. Government efforts to resettle IDPs have frequently been disrupted by renewed outbreaks of violence, creating a cycle of displacement and insecurity.
Authorities have called for heightened vigilance in the area and urged troops to maintain consistent patrols along key routes to protect resettling communities. The Taraba State government has also engaged local security agencies to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Security operatives are working to track and neutralise the attackers. Residents are advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious movements to the authorities,” a source said.
While government troops are expected to bolster security, locals continue to express concern about the frequency of these attacks and the challenges of adequately protecting vulnerable communities in remote areas.
The attack has intensified fears among IDPs and humanitarian organizations working in Taraba State. Many IDPs have already been living in temporary shelters for months or even years due to prior violence. The recurrence of such attacks delays rehabilitation and recovery efforts and strains resources meant for housing, medical care, and food supply.
Human rights groups have condemned the attack and urged both state and federal authorities to ensure the safety of returning IDPs. They have also called for a long-term strategy to address communal conflicts in the state, emphasizing dialogue and reconciliation alongside increased security measures.
The attack in Tse Ajogo is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in Northern and Middle Belt states, where communal violence continues to threaten lives and disrupt livelihoods. Analysts say that addressing the root causes of these conflicts, including land disputes, ethnic tensions, and resource competition, is critical to preventing further violence.
The Taraba State government has pledged to strengthen security in areas prone to attacks, particularly those hosting returning IDPs. Officials are reportedly working with military and paramilitary forces to increase patrols, set up checkpoints, and respond more swiftly to threats.
Community leaders have also been called upon to play a role in restoring peace, providing intelligence to security agencies, and supporting displaced families. Local authorities are under pressure to balance immediate protection measures with longer-term strategies for reconciliation and development.
