Governor Fintiri Bans Illegal Mining In Lamurde To End Communal Crisis

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed an immediate ban on illegal mining activities in Lamurde Local Government Area as part of efforts to address the root causes of the recurring communal clashes between the Bachama and Chobo ethnic groups.

The governor announced the ban on Tuesday while receiving the interim report of a mediation committee established to resolve the protracted conflict. He warned that anyone found violating the directive or sponsoring violence would face decisive government action.

Governor Fintiri said the measure reflects the government’s determination to tackle the economic factors fueling the crisis, particularly the illegal exploitation of natural resources, which has allegedly empowered criminal elements and intensified communal rivalries.

He assured residents that his administration would swiftly implement the committee’s recommendations to restore lasting peace, rebuild public confidence, and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their communities.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Mediation Committee and High Chief of the Jenjo Chiefdom, Dr. Robert David Tankawa, said the committee spent 10 days engaging stakeholders and residents across the affected communities.

According to him, the committee identified three major causes of the conflict: disputes over land ownership, competition for natural resources—including illegal mining—and the lack of inclusive traditional recognition.

Dr. Tankawa further noted that inflammatory comments on social media and the proliferation of illegal firearms significantly escalated the violence.

“The committee found no evidence linking specific individuals to the violence. However, youths were the main perpetrators, while the silence of some community elders allowed the crisis to persist,” he said.

The communal clashes have claimed several lives, destroyed properties, and displaced many residents in recent years.

The committee reported that hostilities have ceased in major flashpoints, with representatives of the Bachama and Chobo communities signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing themselves to peaceful coexistence.

Among its key recommendations are the gradual relaxation of the current curfew, the immediate disarmament and demobilisation of armed youth groups, the launch of community reconciliation initiatives, and the reconstruction of communities destroyed during the conflict.