Two commercial motorcyclists killed, one injured in Taraba road ambush

Residents of Donadda community in Lau local government council of Taraba state have been thrown into mourning following the killing of two commercial motorcycle riders and the critical injury of another in an attack by unidentified assailants along the Donadda–Kunini road.

The incident occurred on Monday evening, a market day, as the victims were reportedly travelling to Kunini when they were ambushed by the attackers.

Local sources identified the deceased as Umar, a native of Yusa Fulani, and Gyada, a grandson of Ngida Adoshi (Nyaki) of Donadda community. The two victims were said to have died at the scene after sustaining severe machete wounds.

Their motorcycles were reportedly carted away by the attackers.

A third victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report, sustained critical injuries during the attack. The victim, believed to be a resident of Kunini, is currently receiving medical treatment.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over the security situation along the Donadda–Kunini axis, which residents say has witnessed similar violent incidents in the past.

Community members recalled that the same road was the scene of a deadly attack several years ago in which two sons of the family of the current Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Taraba state, Alhaji Usman Madu, were reportedly killed while travelling to Jalingo on their way to Zaria for military training.

Following Monday’s incident, residents called on security agencies and the Taraba state government to conduct a thorough investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and strengthen security patrols along the road to prevent further attacks.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Taraba state Police Command, Victor Mshelizah, said the command had commenced efforts to track down those responsible.

“We received information about the incident from the Divisional Police Officer. The attack occurred around a border community with Adamawa state, and efforts are being intensified to track and apprehend the suspects,” Mshelizah said.