Bandawa village in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State was thrown into chaos on Wednesday night after suspected herders launched an attack, leaving houses in flames and villagers fleeing for their lives.

The Taraba State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying it occurred around 9:45 pm. According to Police Public Relations Officer James Leshen, officers were dispatched immediately after receiving a distress call. However, by the time security personnel arrived, the attackers had already fled.

Leshen noted that about ten houses were razed during the assault. He also revealed that a TECNO phone was recovered from the scene, which may serve as crucial evidence in investigations.

While the police maintained that no deaths were officially recorded, locals painted a more tragic picture. The youth leader of Bandawa, Ishaya Peter, told reporters that one villager died while trying to escape the violence.

“We were sitting outside discussing when suddenly we heard gunshots and people screaming. We had earlier tried to alert security agencies, but nothing was done,” Peter lamented.

He described the attack as “unprovoked and barbaric,” accusing armed herders of targeting their community. According to him, the deceased was unable to swim across the river while attempting to flee. Many women and children have since been evacuated to safer areas amid fears of more attacks.

This latest violence comes barely two months after a similar assault on Bandawa village claimed three lives and left several others injured, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in rural Taraba communities.