By Zagazola Makama
What began as a dispute between farmers and herders in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has spiralled into a deadly communal conflict, claiming at least 40 lives and displacing hundreds in the past two weeks.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the crisis, which initially broke out on May 9, was sparked by a confrontation over farmland encroachment between a Bandawa youth, Buhari Malamby, and two Fulani herders whose cattle had allegedly strayed onto his farm.
Dozens of the youths attacked the Fulani herders with machetes. Witnesses said Malamby was killed during the altercation, prompting youths from Bandawa to mobilize and slaughter several cattle in the bush in retaliation.
Within hours, reprisal attacks followed. Armed Fulani youths reportedly invaded Badawa community, killing two persons and injuring another youth from nearby Munga Dasso. This marked the beginning of a cycle of violence and counter-violence that has rocked the region.
Security forces interventions followed swiftly. Earlier on May 12, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), undertook an on-the-spot assessment of the area. They visited Bandawa community, commiserated with the residents, and directed his Commanding Officer to immediately deploy troops to Bandawa and Bunkaci to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed. Additional police personnel, including mobile police units, were stationed at Munga Dasso.
In a bid to forestall further violence, 6 Brigade convened a peace meeting on May 15 and 16 with key stakeholders from the affected communities Bandawa, Munga Dasso, Munga Lelau, and the Fulani settlements. The brigade commander issued a stern warning to community leaders to control their youths and de-escalate tensions. The meeting concluded with a pledge to sign a peace accord at a later date in Karim-Lamido town.
Peace, however, proved short-lived.
On May 23, the fragile truce was shattered when a Munga Dasso youth whose name was yet to be confirmed at the time of this report was reportedly killed by Fulani youths while on his way to a farm near a Fulani settlement in Munga Lelau.
This killing triggered another violent retaliation. Munga Lelau youths, who witnessed the attack, stormed the Fulani settlement and killed four individuals. In response, heavily armed Fulani militia, reportedly mobilizing from neighbouring communities on nearly 50 motorcycles with up to three riders each, launched a large-scale assault on Munga Lelau.
Troops stationed in Bunkaci and Bandawa responded promptly, engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray. During the counter-offensive, soldiers neutralized two militia members and recovered weapons. However, by the time they arrived, the attackers had already massacred several residents.
Authorities have since imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across Bandawa, Munga Dasso, Munga Lelau, and surrounding communities. Security patrols have been intensified to prevent further clashes, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those believed to be sponsoring the violence.
Despite the presence of troops and police, the area remains calm. Many residents who fled their homes have started returning while others are trapped in fear, afraid of another round of attacks.
Security sources and community leaders have called for urgent intervention from the state government. They recommend that officials, in collaboration with security agencies, visit the affected areas to sympathize with victims and reassure them of protection. They also propose a high-level mediation forum involving traditional rulers, youth representatives, and Fulani leaders to chart a lasting path to peace.
*Makama is a counter insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region
