Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa has imposed an immediate ban on all illegal mining activities in Lamurde Local Government Area as part of measures to address the lingering communal crisis between the Bachama and Chobo communities.
Fintiri announced the ban while receiving the preliminary report of the mediation committee established by the state government to resolve the long-running conflict.
The governor warned that individuals or groups who violate the directive or encourage violence in the area would face decisive government action.
He said the ban was designed to tackle some of the root causes of the conflict and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the security situation for illegal activities.
Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the affected communities, assuring residents that the government would continue collaborating with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to safeguard lives and property.
He also pledged support for the safe return of displaced persons and the restoration of normalcy in the affected areas.
Presenting the committee’s preliminary findings, members identified disputes over land ownership, competition for natural resources, inadequate traditional recognition, the proliferation of illegal firearms and inflammatory social media posts as key factors fuelling the crisis.
The committee disclosed that leaders of the Bachama and Chobo communities had signed a Memorandum of Understanding, committing themselves to peaceful coexistence and dialogue.
It recommended the gradual relaxation of the curfew currently in force, disarmament of armed groups, sustained reconciliation efforts among the affected communities and the reconstruction of destroyed settlements.
The conflict between the Bachama and Chobo communities has resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of many residents across parts of Lamurde Local Government Area in Adamawa.
