The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed an ambush attack on residents of Kofai Amadu community, Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 p.m. in a busy trading hub where residents of different ethnic groups were engaged in normal commercial activities.
According to eyewitness accounts, panic erupted when gunshots were suddenly heard from a nearby bush close to the yam market area.
The unexpected shooting forced farmers returning from their farms, as well as traders and other market users, to flee for safety.
Amid the confusion, some farmers in surrounding farmlands later reported seeing armed attackers moving around a settlement located about two kilometres from the market area.
As the panic spread, the lifeless body of a young man with gunshot wounds was discovered. Community members immediately alerted security operatives, who later arrived at the scene to restore calm and begin preliminary investigations.
Residents of Kofai Amadu have called on security agencies to increase surveillance in the area and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, while awaiting further official clarification.
Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson, Victor Mshelizah, said he was 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.
He further stated that the area has since been brought under control and is currently calm.
