More than 30 persons have been confirmed dead following renewed violence in Munga and Magami villages of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was reportedly perpetrated by suspected armed herders, leading to the destruction of homes and displacement of residents.
The attacks have sparked widespread criticism over the state government’s response to the worsening security situation in the area.
Insight Northeast reports that the violence came shortly after the state hosted the Taraba Investment Summit, which featured prominent figures including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Tony Elumelu, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Residents expressed dismay that while efforts were being made to brand the state as investor-friendly, insecurity continued to undermine progress.
Eyewitnesses and survivors accused the government of slow response to the attacks and criticised Governor Agbu Kefas for not visiting the affected communities, drawing unfavourable comparisons to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, known for his visits to conflict zones.
Karim-Lamido has experienced a surge in violence in recent months, with Munga Lelau being the latest area affected.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas condemned the attacks, describing them as “horrendous and unacceptable.”
“Our citizens’ safety is my top priority,” he said. “We have activated all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and bring those responsible to book.”
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activity.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP James Leshen, confirmed the incident, noting that violence erupted following the alleged machete attack on a 15-year-old boy, Isah Ishaku, of Munga Doso community, by unknown assailants.
Leshen said that a combined team of conventional police and the Police Mobile Force had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
He added that aggressive patrols were ongoing, and efforts were being made to engage local leaders in resolving the conflict.
The Taraba State Government has appealed for calm while assuring the public of its commitment to peace and stability.
