A recent bandit attack in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State has resulted in the loss of 18 hunters. The victims displayed immense courage as they confronted over 200 heavily armed bandits near Maihula town on Tuesday.
Reports stated that the bandits, with intentions to target Bali town and surrounding villages, were met with fierce resistance from the hunters. Tragically, the bandits, armed with advanced weaponry, proved superior, resulting in the death of 15 hunters during the intense gun battle.
Musa Umar, a resident of the affected area, provided harrowing details, stating that 14 hunters lost their lives during the confrontation, with several others sustaining injuries. Regrettably, one of the injured hunters succumbed to their wounds on the way to Jalingo Hospital, bringing the total casualties to 15.
Adamu Dantala, Chairman of the Hunters Association in Taraba State, expressed the urgent need for support, saying, “We need government and community support to fully arm us, as we are not given any funds to support families of those killed or treat those injured.”
The bandits, not content with the earlier assault, ambushed and killed three additional hunters near Dakka town in the same local government area.
Alhaji Mahamud Abubakar, Chief of Kur Bali Chiefdom, where 15 hunters lost their lives, shared his account with Daily Trust, stating, “The bandits invaded my chiefdom and attempted to invade Bali town but were stopped by hunters, during which 15 hunters were killed.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the state police command has not issued a response at the time of this report.