The Chairman of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, Mrs Virginia Baba Bambur, has imposed a 24-hour curfew following renewed attacks by suspected armed militia groups in parts of the council area.
The curfew came amid reports of killings, destruction of property and the displacement of residents in several communities.
The affected areas include Wurkum communities around Didango, Mutum Daya Kodai, Gurum and other neighbouring settlements, where the suspected militia reportedly carried out a series of attacks.
Sources said the violence left several people dead and forced many residents to flee their homes.
Although security operatives had earlier restored relative calm in some of the affected communities, fresh attacks were reportedly launched on Thursday and Friday, leading to a further deterioration of the security situation.
Announcing the curfew, Bambur said the measure became necessary in view of the worsening violence, continued attacks and the loss of lives and property.
She directed security agencies, including the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to ensure strict enforcement of the directive.
The council chairperson also assured residents that government would investigate the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
She urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them that efforts were underway to restore peace and stability in the affected communities.
Bambur reaffirmed the commitment of the local government and Taraba State Government to protecting lives and property and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
Karim-Lamido Local Government Area has witnessed recurring communal clashes, banditry and ethnic tensions in recent years, particularly involving communities in the area, resulting in deaths, destruction of property and displacement of residents.
Security agencies have maintained an increased presence in the affected communities as authorities work to contain the situation and restore normalcy.
