At least five persons have been confirmed dead and over 2,000 others displaced following a communal clash between Tshobo and Bachama communities in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The violent confrontation, which erupted over a lingering farmland dispute, escalated over the weekend, resulting in widespread destruction and forced displacement across several villages.
The Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Suleiman Nguroje, who confirmed the incident on Wednesday, said normalcy had been restored in the affected areas through the deployment of security personnel.
“We received reports of the crisis from Rigange and nearby settlements. So far, five deaths have been recorded and properties worth millions of naira destroyed. More than 2,000 residents have been displaced,” Nguroje said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, had visited the affected communities and held peace meetings with stakeholders in a bid to prevent further escalation.
Eyewitnesses told Insight Northeast that the conflict began when youths from both communities clashed over access to a disputed piece of farmland, leading to reprisal attacks and the burning of houses.
One of the displaced persons, Mr. Iliya Yohanna, lamented the loss of his home and belongings, calling on the government to intervene and provide relief materials.
“We are now staying in open spaces, and many families have been separated while running for safety,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) has commenced an assessment of the affected areas and has pledged to provide temporary shelter and humanitarian support for the victims.
Efforts are ongoing by traditional leaders and local authorities to mediate between the two communities and resolve the land ownership dispute that has lingered for years.
