NEW VIOLENCE IN TARABA LEAVES 30 DEAD, DRAWS CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
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By: Motunrayo Aniwura
A fresh outbreak of violence in Taraba State has claimed the lives of over 30 people and forced many residents to flee, following attacks on Munga and Magami villages in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
The attacks, allegedly carried out by armed herders in the early hours of Saturday, also led to widespread destruction of homes and property, deepening fears among locals and casting a shadow over the state’s recent push to attract investors.
The violence occurred shortly after the Taraba Investment Summit, which had drawn national attention and featured prominent figures such as Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The summit had aimed to position Taraba as a welcoming destination for investors, but the renewed unrest is undermining those efforts.
Eyewitnesses and survivors voiced frustration over what they described as the government’s delayed and insufficient response to ongoing security challenges. Many also criticized Governor Agbu Kefas for not visiting the affected communities, contrasting his approach with that of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who is widely praised for his hands-on leadership in conflict-affected areas.
Karim-Lamido has increasingly become a hotspot for violence, with the latest assault in Munga Lelau marking another deadly chapter.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas condemned the attack as “horrendous and unacceptable”. He assured the public that the perpetrators would face justice.
“Our citizens’ safety is my top priority,” the governor stated. “We have activated all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and bring those responsible to book.”
Kefas called on residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and report suspicious activity. He urged calm while emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.
Speaking on the attack, the Taraba State Police Command said tensions were triggered after a 15-year-old boy, Isah Ishaku of Munga Doso, was allegedly macheted on his farm by an unknown assailant.
Police spokesperson James Leshen said a joint team of conventional police officers and the Police Mobile Force (PMF) had been deployed to the affected communities.
Leshen said efforts were underway to restore calm and apprehend those behind the violence. Aggressive patrols have commenced in the region, and community leaders have been engaged to mediate and de-escalate tensions
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