TENSION DEEPENS IN KARIM LAMIDO AS BANDAWA – FULANI CONFLICT CONTINUES UNCHECKED
By Mohammed Tikka
The ongoing conflict between the Bandawa community and Fulani herders in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State continues to grow worse, with fresh tension reported in Bandawa Kwata
It is now almost three days since the most recent attack in Bandawa Kwata, a village less than a kilometer from Lau town. Armed men reportedly invaded the area, setting houses and valuable properties on fire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes and towns.
Since the attack, fear has continued to spread across the area. Despite the presence of security forces, there has been no meaningful progress in restoring peace. Local residents complain that the security personnel appear overwhelmed and inactive, while the violence continues.
Adding to the growing frustration is the continued destruction of farmland. Reports from villagers indicate that cattle belonging to herders are now freely grazing on people’s farms without control.
Many farmers, especially in Bandawa and nearby communities, say they are afraid to return to their lands or even speak out, fearing retaliation.
Both parties involved in the conflict, residents and herders, are said to be living in fear. Locals feel abandoned by the government, while the herders also claim they are under threat and in hiding. Tension remains high, and trust between the two groups has completely broken down.
“This is no longer just a fight over land—it’s a crisis that is destroying lives, livelihoods, and communities,” a community elder told reporters.
The crisis, which started as a small disagreement over grazing on farmland, has turned into a deadly cycle of attacks and revenge. Community leaders have made efforts to calm the situation, but those attempts have so far failed.
No official statement has yet been released by the Taraba State Government concerning the latest events, and residents are growing increasingly frustrated by the silence and inaction.
As the situation remains unresolved, more people are fleeing their homes, farmlands lie abandoned, and both communities continue to live in fear, uncertain of what might happen next.
There is a growing call for urgent government intervention to stop the violence before it spreads further.
