Youth group condemns herders’ attacks in Taraba

The Badamuda Proactive Youths of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area have condemned a series of deadly attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders in several communities within the LGA, including Bandawa, Munga Dosso, and Ngurore-Jabu Munga.

In a statement released to the press on Friday in Jalingo by the Chairman, Suleiman Joel Munga, and the Secretary, Ishaya Peter Bandawa, the youth group expressed concern over what it described as “brutal assaults” that have claimed the lives of at least fifteen people, left over twenty others severely injured, and led to the destruction of properties and farmlands valued in the millions of Naira.

According to the group, the violence has triggered mass displacement, with hundreds of residents forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

They warned that the widespread destruction of farmlands critical to the local economy has placed many victims at risk of hunger and economic ruin.

Calling for immediate intervention, the youth group urged the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to establish a high-powered investigative committee to probe the root causes of the attacks.

They stressed the need for the committee to include representatives from affected communities, security agencies, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders to ensure transparency and fairness.

“We urge His Excellency to pay a visit to the affected communities to assess the damage firsthand, commiserate with victims, and reassure citizens of the government’s commitment to their safety,” the statement read.

The group further called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend those responsible and to deploy additional personnel to safeguard vulnerable communities.

In addition to demanding justice, the Badamuda Proactive Youths appealed for the immediate distribution of relief materials, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter, to ease the suffering of displaced residents.

They also advocated for government compensation and the reconstruction of affected communities as a path to healing and rebuilding.

“Peace cannot thrive where justice is denied,” the statement concluded, reiterating the need for sustained peacebuilding and accountability to prevent further violence in Karim-Lamido and across Taraba State.