Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has visited crisis-affected communities in Lamurde Local Government Area following recent communal clashes between the Bachama and Chobo groups, during which six persons lost their lives and over 700 homes were destroyed.
Accompanied by top security commanders and government officials, Governor Fintiri undertook a sympathy visit to the affected settlements of Waduku, Lakan, and Rugange on Monday, to commiserate with victims, assess the extent of destruction, and reinforce the state’s position on peace and justice.
The violent conflict, reportedly triggered by a lingering land dispute, also led to multiple injuries and the looting of food stores, prompting the government to impose a 24-hour curfew—now eased as normalcy gradually returns.
Addressing residents at each location, Governor Fintiri urged both parties to embrace peace, stressing that the government would not tolerate further violence.
“I urge you to sheath your swords, forgive one another, and live together in peace,” the governor said. “This government will not condone any further violence. Anyone found instigating unrest will face the full wrath of the law.”
He further warned that any farmland found to be the cause of such disputes in the future would be confiscated by the state government.
“You must not trespass on land that does not belong to you. We will no longer tolerate land-grabbing or provocations that lead to bloodshed,” he added.
Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens, assuring residents that security forces would remain deployed to the area to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.
“It is our responsibility to protect you so you can go to your farms, your markets, and your schools in peace. Whatever it takes to restore stability, the government will do,” he assured.
In Waduku, a representative of the Bachama community, Mr. Danladi Kotohula, attributed the conflict to the disputed farmland and alleged inaction by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), which he said contributed to the escalation.
At Lakan, Mr. Hygimus Mangu of the Chobo community acknowledged that while the farmland dispute played a role, the crisis also had deeper undercurrents. He noted the long history of peaceful coexistence between the two groups, citing intermarriages as a testament to their shared heritage.
In Rugange, Bishop Bulus Taya, who spoke on behalf of the victims, recounted the trauma experienced by residents and called for urgent relief from both government and humanitarian organisations.
Leaders from both warring communities expressed their commitment to reconciliation and peace, appealing for more robust interventions from the government to prevent future crises and protect lives and property.
The Chairman of Lamurde Local Government Council, Mr. Daniel Bulus, thanked the governor for his prompt intervention, which he said was instrumental in curbing the violence and restoring relative calm to the area.
