Peace Returns To Taraba Community After Violent Clash

Security operatives have been deployed in Geroji settlements of Mbamnga ward, Sardauna local government area of Taraba State after a violent clash between the Fulani and Mambilla ethnic groups.

Over 1,000 residents were reportedly displaced while 384 houses were destroyed during the three-day violence.
The council chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, who confirmed the troops deployment, warned against further threat to peace between the feuding parties.

The crisis was reportedly caused by a misunderstanding between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man on a farm.
Umar, who described the crisis as unfortunate, warned that anyone found attempting to undermine the peaceful coexistence among the residents would face the full weight of the law.

The LG chairman also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for the return of refugees who fled into Nyang, in the Donga-Mantung Division of northwestern Cameroon, following the violence.

He appealed to governments, stakeholders and humanitarian agencies to provide urgent assistance for the resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of the displaced persons and affected communities.
Also, the chief of Mbamnga, Alhaji Abubakar Saleh, appealed for calm and unity among the people, stressing that the Mambilla and Fulani communities had lived together peacefully for decades.

Saleh described the crisis as the first of its kind in his domain and assured that traditional and community leaders would work with relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence.

He urged the people to reject acts capable of escalating tension and undermine the return of peace to the affected communities.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Mambilla Plateau witnessed similar communal violence in 2017 and 2018, during which hundreds of people were reportedly killed and property destroyed.