The Executive Chairperson of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) in Taraba State, Virginia Baba Bambur, has declared a 24-hour dusk-to-dawn curfew following renewed communal clashes between local communities. The curfew, which takes effect from Monday, 1st December 2025, will remain in place until further notice, according to the council.
The announcement suspends all movement and commercial activities across the affected communities, including the Karim-Lamido Local Government headquarters, while security agencies work to restore peace.
“All commercial activities and movement of people are suspended until normalcy is restored in all the affected areas, including Karim-Lamido Local Government Headquarters. All security operatives, including Military, Police, Civil Defense, DSS, and Immigration within the Local Government, are directed to ensure compliance with this order,” the statement read.
Bambur said the measure is necessary to protect lives and property while efforts continue to stabilize the situation in the area.
The communal unrest reportedly involves Shomo and Wurkun communities, whose disputes have escalated into violence in recent days. Residents of the area have suffered significant losses, with reports indicating that valuables worth millions of Naira were destroyed during the clashes.
According to sources, the situation in Karim-Lamido has been tense, and the curfew is aimed at preventing further escalation. The local government chairperson emphasized that the cooperation of residents is crucial for restoring peace and ensuring the safety of citizens.
Security agencies operating within the LGA, including the Military, Police, Civil Defense, DSS, and Immigration Service, have been directed to enforce the curfew and ensure full compliance. This coordinated approach is intended to contain the violence, protect property, and prevent loss of lives.
The announcement comes after reports of escalating attacks in the region, forcing authorities to adopt stricter measures to ensure stability. Security operatives have been placed on high alert, with checkpoints established in strategic locations to monitor movement and prevent further incidents.
The ongoing clashes follow a recent security operation by troops of the 6 Brigade in Taraba, which resulted in the neutralization of four suspected terrorists in the area. While the military action temporarily reduced violent activities, the communal tensions have persisted, prompting the need for the curfew.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the curfew comes barely a week after the newly elected chairperson of the council, Virginia Baba Bambur, was sworn in by the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas. Observers note that the council is facing one of its most immediate challenges in ensuring peace and security within the LGA.
Residents of Karim-Lamido and surrounding communities are expected to experience restricted movement and limited access to markets, shops, and other commercial activities until the curfew is lifted. Community leaders have called on citizens to comply with the order to prevent further loss of lives and property.
The curfew is also intended to allow security forces to operate without obstruction, conduct investigations into the clashes, and engage community stakeholders in dialogue aimed at resolving the dispute between Shomo and Wurkun communities.
Taraba State, like several other parts of Nigeria, has experienced recurring communal clashes often triggered by disputes over land, chieftaincy matters, or resource ownership. Karim-Lamido LGA has previously witnessed conflicts that disrupted daily life and caused property destruction.
Government officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of community engagement and early conflict resolution to prevent escalation. The curfew represents a temporary measure while authorities work on long-term solutions to communal tensions.
In her statement, Bambur urged residents to remain calm, adhere to the curfew, and report any suspicious activity to security agencies. She stressed that the local government is committed to restoring peace and ensuring that all parties affected by the violence are protected.
“The safety of lives and property is paramount. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security forces and comply with the curfew,” Bambur said.
Governor Agbu Kefas, who recently swore in the new council leadership, has also expressed confidence in the joint efforts of security agencies to stabilize the area. He highlighted the need for community leaders to work together in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the warring communities.
While the curfew is an immediate response to the clashes, long-term peace in Karim-Lamido LGA will depend on mediation between the Shomo and Wurkun communities, engagement with traditional leaders, and consistent monitoring by security agencies. The local government has indicated plans to convene peace talks once the situation stabilizes.
For now, residents are advised to stay indoors, suspend commercial activities, and follow directives from security operatives. The curfew serves as a critical step in preventing further escalation, protecting lives, and creating an environment for dialogue and reconciliation.