Gunmen have killed several residents in coordinated raids across villages in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area. The attacks struck three days ago in what locals described as a surge of militia violence.
Didango village bore the first assault. Two young men died when armed attackers ambushed them after leaving a football viewing centre.
Violence then spread to Gaita, Loba, and Lewatha in what residents believe were planned strikes. Many families fled into bushes to escape the gunfire.
Dauda Bulus, a Mayo-Gauro resident, told reporters the assaults appeared well-coordinated. He blamed armed militia from neighbouring communities for the bloodshed.
According to Bulus, these villages have suffered repeated attacks over several years. The pattern of violence seemed relentless and systematic.
One Didango resident, who requested anonymity, said farmers became targets. The attackers ambushed agricultural workers returning from their fields, leaving several wounded.
Following that strike, gunmen hit other settlements in the area. Casualty figures climbed as the violence intensified across multiple locations.
Gurum village near Kodai faced another assault on Tuesday night. Local vigilante groups and community members mounted a strong defence that repelled the attackers.
Security patrols have since been beefed up in response. Residents decided to take matters into their own hands after repeated incidents.
Abubakar Adamu, another community member, warned of deepening instability. He said the recurring violence threatened Karim-Lamido's peace and security.
Peace meetings and dialogue efforts have failed to stop the raids. Yet attacks continue despite earlier reconciliation attempts among communities.
Adamu noted the timing wasn't random. "Attacks often happen during farming and harvest seasons," he explained to reporters, disrupting the main economic activity for locals.
Mrs Virginia Baba Bambur, council chairperson, acknowledged the violence. She insisted, however, that normalcy had returned to affected areas.
Her office is partnering with security agencies on solutions. "We are working round the clock to ensure that Karim-Lamido remains peaceful," she told journalists.
Police spokesperson ASP Victor Mshelizah couldn't immediately provide details. Communication challenges prevented him from reaching divisional officers in the area, he explained.
Mshelizah promised updates once ground reports arrived. Further information would be released after officers supplied situation assessments.
