A resurgence of violence in the Nigeria’s state of Taraba has resulted in the deaths of multiple people numbering over more 30 individuals, with many others displaced following attacks on Munga and Magami villages in the Karim-Lamido local government area. The assaults, reportedly conducted by suspected armed herders early Saturday morning, led to the destruction of homes and properties, amplifying fears among residents and overshadowing the state’s recent investment initiatives.
The violence arrives just after the high-profile Taraba Investment Summit, which garnered national attention with notable appearances from business leaders such as Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The summit aimed to highlight Taraba as an investor-friendly state, but the ongoing security crisis raises concerns about the region’s stability.
Survivors and eyewitnesses have voiced criticism regarding what they view as an inadequate and delayed response from the state government to ongoing security threats. Many residents expressed disappointment over Governor Agbu Kefas’s absence from the affected areas, drawing comparisons to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, renowned for his proactive engagement with conflict zones.
The Karim-Lamido area has increasingly become a hotspot for violence, with the latest attack in Munga Lelau marking yet another deadly chapter in the ongoing unrest.
In response to the attacks, Governor Kefas condemned the violence as “horrendous and unacceptable” in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello. He assured the public that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“Our citizens’ safety is my top priority,” the governor stated. “We have activated all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and bring those responsible to book.” He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity.
In a preliminary statement, the Taraba State Police Command noted that tensions escalated after a 15-year-old boy, Isah Ishaku of Munga Doso, was allegedly attacked with a machete while on his farm by an unknown assailant. Police spokesperson James Leshen confirmed that a joint team of conventional police officers and the Police Mobile Force (PMF) has been deployed to the affected communities.
Efforts are underway to restore calm and apprehend those responsible for the violence, with aggressive patrols initiated in the region. Community leaders are also being engaged to mediate and de-escalate tensions.