Police confirm fatal ambush of residents in Taraba community

The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed an ambush on residents of the Kofai Amadu community in Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State.

The attack took place on Thursday at about 4:00 p.m. in a busy trading hub where people from different ethnic groups were conducting normal commercial activities.

Eyewitnesses reported that panic erupted when gunshots suddenly rang out from a nearby bush close to the yam market. The unexpected shooting forced farmers returning from their fields, traders, and other market users to flee for safety.

Later, some farmers in surrounding farmlands reported seeing armed attackers moving around a settlement roughly two kilometres from the market area.

During the ensuing confusion, a lifeless body of a young man with gunshot wounds was found. Community members immediately alerted security operatives, who arrived at the scene to restore calm and begin preliminary investigations.

Residents of Kofai Amadu have urged security agencies to increase surveillance in the area and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice while awaiting further official clarification.

Confirming the incident, police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah said he had been briefed about an ambush on individuals who had gone to their homes in the crisis‑affected area to retrieve belongings.

He added that the victims were allegedly attacked by armed men described as Fulani militia, and that one person was shot and confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

Mshelizah further stated that the area has since been brought under control and is currently calm.