5 people killed, many displaced in Taraba communal clash

Five people have been killed and dozens of others displaced following a communal conflict between Karinjo and Wurkun communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. Mohammed Audu, member representing Karim Lamido, Lau and Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, stated this in a motion calling his colleagues’ attention to the fresh violence in the area during Wednesday’s plenary. Audu said renewed violence erupted on May 29 between the Karinjo and Wurkun communities, resulting in the death of at least five people, injuries to several others and widespread destruction of homes, farm produce and livestock. The latest attacks were reported in Didango, Gaita, Loba and Lewatha villages. Residents said armed militia first ambushed youths returning home after watching a football match in Didango, killing two. The attackers later launched coordinated assaults on other communities, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes. A resident of Mayo-Gauro, Dauda Bulus, alleged that the attacks were carried out by armed militia from a neighbouring community and formed part of a pattern of violence targeting Wurkun settlements. Karim Lamido Local Government Area has, over the years, witnessed intermittent communal disputes, often linked to disagreements over land ownership, boundary claims and access to natural resources. The House expressed concern that repeated communal clashes continue to threaten peace and stability in the area and warned that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further if urgent action is not taken. Lawmakers urged security agencies to intensify operations to restore peace and prevent further attacks. They also called on the Federal Government and humanitarian agencies to provide emergency relief, including food, shelter and medical assistance, to affected families. Meanwhile, Chairman of Karim Lamido Local Government, Virginia Baba Bambur, confirmed the attacks but said relative calm had returned to the affected communities, assuring residents that authorities were working to restore lasting peace. When contacted, Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, said he was unable to obtain a situation report from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Karim Lamido due to network challenges in the area.