Suspected Militia Attack in Taraba Claims 8 Lives, Including 3 Police Officers
In a devastating incident on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, suspected militia gunmen launched a violent assault on the Tor-Damisa community in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of eight individuals, comprising three police officers and five civilians, while several others sustained serious gunshot wounds.
Chaos and Panic as Attackers Storm Community
According to local residents, the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the community at approximately 1 p.m. They began shooting indiscriminately, throwing the area into immediate chaos. Panic spread rapidly as residents, including vulnerable women and children, fled their homes into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
"They came in large numbers and started shooting. People were running in different directions. The whole community was in confusion," recounted an anonymous resident, highlighting the terror that gripped the settlement.
Security Forces Respond to Distress Call
A distress call was promptly sent to the Donga Police Division, located just a few kilometers from the community. In response, reinforcements were deployed, including soldiers from the 93 Battalion based in Takum. The area has since been largely deserted, with soldiers and mobile police personnel maintaining a presence to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Police Confirmation and Casualty Details
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the incident. He stated that the command received a report from Zaki Orbanga of Tordamisa Akate Ward, indicating an attack by suspected armed bandits on Tse Kwe village.
A team of officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Donga and supported by Special Force operatives, was immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the suspected bandits opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. The police operatives responded swiftly, ultimately repelling the attackers.
Tragically, the engagement resulted in the loss of three police officers:
- CPL Raphael Danjuma, who sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
- PC Ebenezer Daniel, also fatally wounded in the line of duty.
- PC Samuel Bawa, initially declared missing but later found deceased in a nearby bush.
Additionally, the body of Nutsa Tyav, a 60-year-old chairman of the local vigilante group in Tordamisa, was recovered after the attack, bringing the civilian death toll to five.
Condolences and Commitment from Police Command
The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Isokpan Otimenyin, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the brave officers and the vigilante member. "The command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that their sacrifice will not be forgotten," stated ASP Mshelizah, emphasizing the commitment to honoring those who paid the supreme price while protecting the state and nation.
This attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Taraba State, highlighting the risks faced by both security personnel and civilians in conflict-prone areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure stability and prevent future incidents.
