The surge in banditry across various local councils in Taraba State is casting dark clouds on the Yuletide celebrations, instilling fear in residents and prospective travellers.
Ardo Kola, Yorro, Bali, Lau and Jalingo local councils have evolved into hotspots for criminal activities, compelling residents to review their travel plans.
The Monday night tragedy in Pupule, Yorro, in which the paramount ruler of Kwaji Chiefdom, Umaru Nyala, police officers and a pregnant woman were abducted, continues to haunt prospective travellers.
The Guardian checks reveal a notable surge in abductions on the Zing/Pupule/Mararaba highway, impacting both residents and travellers. In Mararraba Kunini of Lau, seven of the 15 persons kidnapped recently secured their release after paying various sums as ransom, while the fate of the remaining eight remains uncertain.
Despite assurances from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for a hitch-free celebration, public confidence in security measures has dwindled. Abbare Yelwa, in Jalingo, witnessed the kidnap of a nursing mother and the wife of a councillor. The dilapidated Numan/Jalingo road became the stage for the abduction of Islamic scholar, Ustaz Tela, who regained freedom on Saturday, with his family still in captivity. Also, two fatal attacks on commercial vehicles along the same road heightened concerns.
Bali shares a similar tale, where traders going to Maihula market, including truck pushers, were abducted. They are still negotiating their release.
Jalingo and Ardo Kola are not immune to the escalating insecurity, witnessing a disturbing trend of people mysteriously disappearing. On December 16, 2023, Islamic scholars, Salisu Donga of Malam Joda area and Babangida Zakari of Kofan Sarkin Noma, were reported missing after leaving home for their daily routines.
Expressing concern over the development, Ward Head of Malam Joda Sintsli ‘B’ Jalingo, Bashir Joda, appealed to the state government to take proactive measures to safeguard life and prosperity.
Joda also urged security agents to intensify efforts in combating crime.Clerics from the two major religions in the state told The Guardian that the present situation, if not urgently addressed by the authorities, would, no doubt, mar the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state. Confirming the incidents, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Usman Abdullahi, said investigations were ongoing, but no arrest yet.
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