At least five people have been killed and many others displaced following renewed communal clashes between the Karinjo and Wurkun communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, raising fresh concerns over persistent violence in the region.
The incident, which reportedly began on May 29, escalated into a series of coordinated attacks across Didango, Gaita, Loba and Lewatha villages, leaving several residents injured and forcing many families to flee into surrounding bushes for safety. Homes, farmlands and livestock were also destroyed during the violence, worsening the humanitarian situation in the affected communities.
Lawmakers were alerted to the crisis during Wednesday’s plenary in the House of Representatives through a motion sponsored by Mohammed Audu, who represents Karim-Lamido, Lau and Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency. He told colleagues that the violence had led to deaths, injuries and widespread displacement, urging urgent intervention.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the crisis began when armed assailants ambushed a group of youths returning from watching a football match in Didango, killing two people on the spot. The attackers were later said to have launched further assaults on neighbouring settlements, intensifying fear and instability in the area.
A resident of Mayo-Gauro, Dauda Bulus, alleged that the attackers were militia linked to a neighbouring community and described the violence as part of a recurring pattern of attacks targeting Wurkun settlements. The area has long experienced intermittent communal disputes often connected to land ownership, boundary disagreements and access to resources.
The House of Representatives expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, warning that continued clashes could lead to a broader humanitarian crisis if not urgently addressed. Lawmakers called on security agencies to intensify patrols and operations to restore peace and prevent further escalation.
They also urged the Federal Government and humanitarian organisations to provide immediate relief, including food, shelter and medical support, to displaced families.
Chairman of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, Virginia Baba Bambur, confirmed the attacks but said calm had returned to the affected communities, adding that efforts were ongoing to restore lasting peace.
Meanwhile, police authorities in Taraba State said they were still working to obtain a full situation report from the area due to communication challenges, as investigations and security assessments continue.
