Suspected Herders Kill 4 Villagers Days After Taravest Summit

Barely 28 hours after end of Taraba International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) held in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, suspected herdsmen launched fresh attacks on Munga Lalau and Munga Doso villages of Karim-Lamido local government area of the state, killing four villagers, on Friday.

Although people of the communities claimed that over 30 villagers were killed, the police put the casualty figure at four, with the attackers also injuring several others, while hundreds of the villagers have taken to their heels for fear of being killed.

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas had on Monday 19th May 2025 summoned a security meeting where he urged all warring factions to sheath their swords and return back to their various communities to continue with their farming activities.

Karim-Lamido LGA is one of the destination hubs for investors in the state with numerous untapped resources including agriculture and solid minerals.

The herders had about 2 weeks ago, attacked the same villages within Karim-Lamido where 15 people were killed.

Chairman of Munga Youths Forum, Mr. Suleiman Joel told our correspondent that the herders, who have been in conflict with the communities over grazing land, stormed the villages on motorcycles with sophisticated weapons, killing innocent people indiscriminately.

“We issued a press statement and it was published in some national dailies, we called on the governor to take an on-spot assessment to see things himself here in Karim-Lamido, the governor held a meeting with our stakeholders and urged those who were on the run to return to their places.

“Now, those who returned on the governor’s directives have been killed, we left everything and focused on Investment Summit. Tell me any investor that can come and invest in a pool of blood,” one of the youths from Munga said.

Meanwhile, Governor Kefas has condemned the killings and consoled the families that lost their loved ones, properties and those displaced in the crisis.

A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Hon Emmanuel Bello said, “In a swift reaction, Governor Kefas mourned the dead and condole with affected families.

“He decried the violence and warned that the aggressors would suffer great repercussions. Dr. Kefas also reiterated his commitment to continue to secure the state from external attacks and other forms of aggression.

“Consequently, Dr. Kefas stressed the need for greater collaboration between the people and security forces, especially in the areas of vigilance and sensitive information sharing.”

Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Taraba State Command, James Lashen confirmed the killings within the area by suspected herdsmen.

“Actually there was an attack on Munga community in Karim-Lamido yesterday (Friday) by suspected herdsmen. Our men got the information and engaged the attackers who were on motorcycles. After they were dispelled, during our search, we discovered 4 villagers from Munga community were killed, although there was no casualty during exchange of gunfire with the attackers,” Lashen stated.