Death toll in Taraba attacks rises to 11

The death toll from a series of attacks along the Rafin Kada–Wukari road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State has reportedly risen to 11 following fresh casualties recorded along the troubled route.

The latest incident, which began on Tuesday, reportedly claimed the lives of six passengers who sustained gunshot injuries while travelling in a separate vehicle from Donga.

The development came after a former Ason Youth Leader was reportedly shot dead while travelling from Wukari to Rafin Kada. A former councillor, who was also attacked, reportedly sustained injuries but narrowly escaped death.

DAILY POST further gathered that three individuals returning from a market in Wukari to Rafin Kada were subsequently shot dead along the same route.

The attacks were said to have occurred along the stretch between the Mobile Police and military checkpoints, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commuters and residents despite growing optimism that relative peace had returned to the area.

Rafin Kada has reportedly been thrown into mourning following the latest violence, while tension has heightened across surrounding communities.

The incidents came against the backdrop of recurring attacks along the Rafin Kada–Wukari axis. Previous security and peace monitoring reports have documented attacks on travellers along the route, while troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have also conducted security operations around the Rafin Kada area.

However, DAILY POST could not independently verify the identities of all 11 deceased victims or the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths of the six passengers as of press time.

When contacted, the Taraba State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, said he was having difficulty reaching the Divisional Police Officer because of poor network connectivity.

“Network has not been good. I am trying to reach the Divisional Police Officer, but I couldn’t, though I will keep trying,” Mshelizah said.