A community-based group, the Badamuda Proactive Youths of Karim-Lamido Local Government Council, has condemned a spate of violent attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders in several communities within the council area.
The attacks, which occurred recently in Bandawa, Munga Dosso, and Ngurore-Jabu Munga, reportedly resulted in extensive loss of lives and destruction of property.
In a statement issued in Jalingo by the group’s Chairman, Suleiman Joel Munga, and Secretary, Ishaya Peter Bandawa, the incidents were described as “brutal assaults” that claimed at least 15 lives and left more than 20 others critically injured.
The group further disclosed that properties and farmlands worth millions of Naira were destroyed, worsening the plight of affected residents. They noted that hundreds have been displaced, forced to flee their homes and now face dire humanitarian conditions.
Highlighting the economic implications, the youth group warned that the destruction of farmland vital to local livelihoods could lead to severe food shortages and deepen existing economic hardship in the area.
In response, the group called on Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to urgently set up a high-powered investigative committee to determine the causes of the attacks and recommend lasting solutions.
They emphasized the need for the committee to be inclusive, comprising representatives from affected communities, security agencies, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
“We urge His Excellency to personally visit the affected communities to witness the destruction, empathize with victims, and restore confidence in government efforts to ensure public safety,” the statement read.
The group also pressed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and increase deployment of personnel to protect vulnerable areas from further violence.
In addition to their call for justice, the Badamuda Proactive Youths appealed for the immediate provision of relief materials, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter, to ease the suffering of displaced families. They also advocated for government compensation and the reconstruction of damaged communities to support recovery.
“Peace cannot thrive where justice is denied,” the statement concluded, reiterating the importance of accountability and sustained peacebuilding across Karim-Lamido and the broader Taraba State.