Policeman, herder killed in Taraba attacks

A policeman was killed, and three civilians were injured in a night attack by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Gembu, the headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State. The attacks came as renewed security concerns emerged in the state, with another violent incident recorded in the Bali Local Government Area on the same day. It was gathered that the Sardauna Local Government Council imposed a night curfew on Gembu following the attack that claimed the life of the policeman. The curfew was imposed on the directive of the council chairman, Hon. J. Umar, through a letter dated July 6, 2026, signed by the Director of Administration and General Services of the council, Mr. Eric Mathew Vakude. Under the directive, movement within Gembu town has been restricted from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. until further notice. According to the statement, the measure is aimed at protecting lives and property. Residents were urged to remain calm, comply with the curfew, and cooperate with security agencies working to restore peace and maintain law and order in the town. It was gathered that security operatives are monitoring compliance with the curfew, while investigations into the attack are ongoing. In a separate incident, a herder was killed while more than 10 farmers sustained serious injuries during a clash between farmers and herders in Pangri village, Bali Local Government Area, on Sunday. It was gathered that the clash was triggered by the alleged destruction of a farmer’s crops by cattle. The owner of the damaged farm was said to have invited a policeman to arrest the owner of the cattle. However, the herder reportedly resisted arrest, and the policeman allegedly shot him. It was further gathered that other herders from neighbouring communities mobilised and attacked the farmers in retaliation. Sources said more than 10 farmers sustained serious injuries, while several houses belonging to the farmers were set ablaze. A witness, Dauda Pangri, said that the clash occurred on the village’s market day, forcing traders to flee for safety. Dauda said those injured were taken to Bali General Hospital for treatment, while a detachment of police had been deployed to the community to restore peace. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, did not respond to calls seeking comments on the two incidents.