Grief, anger, and frustration engulfed the Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba State as communities laid to rest over 37 victims of a brutal herders’ attack—an attack that has left scores dead, many missing, and hundreds displaced. Notably, Governor Agbu Kefas was absent from the mass burial, sparking widespread criticism from local residents and community leaders.
The deadly assault happened over the past weekend in the Munga community, a flashpoint in the ongoing herders-farmers crisis that has destabilized parts of Taraba State in recent weeks. Witnesses and survivors recounted harrowing tales of violence, arson, and bloodshed, with homes razed and farmlands destroyed.
Local sources revealed that the governor left Jalingo via Danbaba Suntai Airport around 2:45 p.m., just as mourners prepared to lay their loved ones to rest in a somber mass burial ceremony. This absence has been interpreted by many as a sign of neglect at a time of dire need.
Residents expressed profound disappointment over what they describe as a lack of empathy and visible support from the state government during this humanitarian crisis.
“The governor encouraged us to return to our homes, yet he’s nowhere to be found when we’re under siege. Where is he now that we’re burying more than 37 of our people?” a villager lamented bitterly.
Many locals have taken up arms as hunters and vigilantes to protect their communities in the face of insufficient security deployment. They allege that despite multiple warnings and meetings between government officials, military commanders, and Fulani leaders, no meaningful action has been taken to curb the violence.
“These killers are not unknown. The governor and military officials met with the parties involved just weeks ago. We raised the alarm, but nothing was done,” another community member told our correspondent.
The Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel S. Brete, has visited the affected communities to engage directly with both residents and Fulani leaders in an effort to ease tensions. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, commander of the 6 Brigade, was reported to be en route to the area to initiate peace talks between the warring factions.
Despite these efforts, the violence has persisted, with at least 57 lives lost in Karim-Lamido in the last two weeks alone, and many residents remain fearful and displaced. The loss of lives and destruction of property has devastated the local economy, especially the farming sector, which sustains the majority of the population.
As the community mourns its dead, calls are growing louder for Governor Kefas to return immediately and demonstrate leadership by coordinating security and humanitarian responses. Local chiefs and civil society groups demand stronger security measures, transparent communication from the government, and urgent aid for displaced families.
The Taraba communities have appealed to the federal government and security agencies to deploy more troops and provide relief materials to help victims recover from this trauma.
The Karim-Lamido attacks are part of a wider crisis involving clashes between herders and farmers across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, which has frequently resulted in loss of lives and displacement. Security experts emphasize the need for durable solutions involving dialogue, resource sharing, and community policing.
This latest tragedy highlights the fragile security situation in Taraba and raises questions about the effectiveness of current leadership in addressing communal violence.
The absence of Governor Agbu Kefas during this critical period has further eroded public confidence in his administration’s ability to protect citizens. As families bury their loved ones, the urgency for a comprehensive and sustained response to end the cycle of violence has never been greater.
The residents of Karim-Lamido, while mourning, continue to hope for swift government action that will restore peace and rebuild their shattered communities.