The death toll from a series of attacks along the Rafin Kada–Wukari road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State has reportedly risen to 11 following fresh casualties recorded on the troubled route.

The latest wave of violence, which began on Tuesday, reportedly claimed the lives of six passengers who sustained gunshot injuries while travelling in a separate vehicle from Donga.

The development followed the reported killing of a former Ason Youth Leader, who was shot dead while travelling from Wukari to Rafin Kada.

A former councillor, who was also attacked along the route, reportedly sustained injuries but narrowly escaped death.

Our reporter further gathered that three other individuals returning from a market in Wukari to Rafin Kada were subsequently shot dead along the same road.

The attacks were reportedly recorded around the stretch between the Mobile Police (MOPOL) and military checkpoints, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commuters and residents in the area.

The latest violence has also cast a shadow over growing optimism that relative peace had returned to the troubled communities along the route.

Rafin Kada has reportedly been thrown into mourning, while tension has heightened across surrounding communities following the attacks.

The incidents occurred against the backdrop of recurring violence along the Rafin Kada–Wukari axis, where previous security and peace-monitoring reports have documented attacks on travellers.

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have also conducted security operations around the Rafin Kada area as part of efforts to restore security along the corridor.

However, the identities of all 11 victims could not be independently verified as of press time. The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths of the six passengers also remained unclear.

When contacted, the Taraba State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Victor Msshelizah, said he was unable to immediately reach the Divisional Police Officer because of poor network connectivity.

“Network has not been good. I am trying to reach the Divisional Police Officer, but I couldn’t, though I will keep trying,” Msshelizah said.

The fresh attacks are likely to renew calls for stronger security measures along the Rafin Kada–Wukari corridor, particularly around identified flashpoints, to protect commuters and prevent further loss of lives.