Renewed communal clashes in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State have claimed several lives, weeks after a committee set up by Governor Agbu Kefas submitted its report on the protracted crisis.
The latest violence, which occurred last week, was reportedly triggered by a farmland ownership dispute between the Shomo and Wurkun communities in Usmanu village.
The attacks forced residents to flee, leaving previously vibrant settlements deserted.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as harrowing. One resident said, “I saw more than 30 bodies on the ground. At night, the attackers returned. People ran for their lives.
There were no security agents to protect us.” He urged the governor to personally visit the affected communities.
Abner Shittu, the Karim Lamido representative in the Taraba State House of Assembly, acknowledged the efforts of Governor Kefas but called on residents to contribute to restoring peace.
“The governor is doing his best, but our people must also act to restore peace,” he said.
Stakeholders warned that the violence could escalate into a wider ethnic conflict involving the Wurkun, Shomo, and Karimjo groups if urgent steps are not taken.
They demanded an independent investigation into the causes of the crisis, accountability for security personnel, and the prosecution of those responsible for killings and arson.
The Taraba State Police Command said normalcy is gradually returning to the affected areas.
Police spokesperson ASP Victor Mshelizah noted that patrols were ongoing, though residents insisted that armed militias still harass communities, especially at night.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Karim Lamido LGA, Virginia Baba Bambur, appealed to all parties to embrace dialogue.
“Constructive discussions and collaboration are crucial for lasting peace and progress,” she said.
The curfew earlier imposed in Karim Lamido town and more than ten surrounding villages has now been relaxed.
