Council Head Imposes Curfew On Karim-Lamido Over Attacks

Following renewed attacks by militia groups that have left several people dead, injured or displaced, the authorities in Karim-Lamido local government council of Taraba State yesterday imposed a 24-hour curfew on parts of the area.

The curfew was announced by the chairperson of the council, Mrs Virginia Baba Bambur, amid escalating violence around Didango, Mutum Daya, Kodai, Gurum and other neighbouring settlements.

In a statement, Mrs. Bambur said the measure became necessary following the deterioration of the security situation, marked by continued attacks and destruction of property.

She urged security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure strict enforcement of the curfew.

“The decision is aimed at restoring law and order, protecting lives and property, and creating an enabling environment for security operations,” she said.

The council chairperson also assured residents that government would investigate the immediate and remote causes of the crisis and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

She urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel, assuring them that efforts were underway to restore peace and stability in the affected communities.

The latest violence came days after security operatives were deployed to the area, leading to a brief return of normalcy.

Fresh attacks were reported on Thursday and yesterday, worsening the security situation.

Residents said the violence began earlier in the week in Didango village, where gunmen ambushed youths returning from a football viewing centre, killing two people.

Attacks were later reported in Gaita, Loba and Lewatha villages, forcing many residents to flee to the bush.

A resident of Mayo-Gauro village, Mr Dauda Bulus, said the assaults were coordinated and carried out by armed men from a neighbouring community.

He noted that the affected communities had suffered repeated attacks over the years.

Another resident of Didango said the attackers also ambushed farmers returning from their farms, leaving several people injured before extending the attacks to other communities.

Residents further disclosed that an attempt to attack Gurum village near the Kodai area was repelled by vigilantes and community members who had intensified patrols following the recurring violence.

Mr Abubakar Adamu, a resident of the area, expressed concern that the repeated attacks were undermining peace and disrupting farming activities, which serve as the main source of livelihood for many residents.

“The attacks often occur during farming and harvest seasons, making it difficult for people to cultivate their farms and sustain their families,” he said.

Karim-Lamido has witnessed recurring communal clashes, militia attacks and ethnic tensions in recent years, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents.