Three people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a violent attack by armed bandits on Bandawa, an agrarian community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to reports, violence erupted earlier this week when armed herders invaded the community. The initial confrontation occurred when a farmer challenged the herders about grazing cattle on his farmland, resulting in his death.

In a subsequent incident, another farmer was ambushed and killed while riding his motorcycle. The situation worsened when a boat carrying women and children fleeing the violence capsized, leading to the drowning of a woman.

Mathias Manyi, National President of the Bandawa Community Development Association, described the attacks as "barbaric and unfortunate." He expressed shock over the incident, noting that the community had previously maintained peaceful coexistence with herders in the area.

The District Head of Bandawa, Yushau Sharia, confirmed he had advised the evacuation of women and children for safety and had warned residents against retaliatory attacks. He called on security agencies to establish a permanent presence in the community to prevent further violence.

"We appreciate the swift response from the military," Sharia stated. "But we need more. I urge the state government and other security agencies to join the effort to restore peace. What happened is a tragedy for our people."

The district head highlighted Bandawa's significance as a hub for large-scale farming that attracts seasonal farmers from Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Yobe, and Lagos states.

In response to the attack, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, visited the community to assess the situation. He assured residents that those responsible for the killings would face justice.

"Anyone involved in the killings in Bandawa will not go unpunished," Uwa declared. "We are reinforcing troops and launching a comprehensive investigation to prevent a recurrence. Protecting lives and property remains our top priority."

This attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in rural communities across Taraba State and underscores the urgent need for sustained intervention by both state and federal authorities to address the recurring farmer-herder conflicts in the region.