At least 16 people have lost their lives in renewed communal clashes between farming communities and Fulani herders in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The deadly violence, which occurred between May 12 and 14, has left residents in fear and communities on edge.
Eyewitnesses say the violence began in the villages of Mungadosso and Bandawa, where suspected herders launched three separate attacks, killing about 10 people and burning homes. The attackers were believed to have operated from a settlement in Wuro Guga, near Jen.
In retaliation, armed youths from Mungadosso stormed the remote Fitowa bush — about 20 kilometres away — and opened fire on herders grazing livestock. Six herders were killed in the counter-attack.
Local sources report that the affected communities remain tense, with families fleeing their homes to escape further violence. More houses and huts were reportedly set ablaze in the aftermath.
The clashes are part of a long-running conflict between farmers and herders over land and water rights — a major source of insecurity in parts of Taraba and other northern states.
Authorities have urged calm and called for dialogue to prevent further bloodshed. Security patrols are said to be active in identified flashpoints as efforts continue to restore peace.
