Military Intensify Operations as 40 Feared Dead in Renewed Taraba Communal Clashes

Military Intensify Operations as 40 Feared Dead in Renewed Taraba Communal Clashes

At least 40 people are feared dead and hundreds displaced following renewed communal clashes between Bandawa farmers and Fulani herders in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, prompting intensified military operations and humanitarian efforts in the region, PRNigeria learnt.

The conflict, which erupted on May 9 over farmland encroachment, spiraled into violent reprisals after a Bandawa youth, Buhari Malamby, was allegedly killed during a confrontation with Fulani herders. The situation escalated rapidly as retaliatory attacks were launched on both sides, plunging the area into chaos and bloodshed.

According to Zagazola, witnesses reported that Bandawa youths initially attacked the herders and slaughtered cattle in retaliation for Malamby’s death. Armed Fulani youths responded by invading Bandawa and nearby Munga Dasso, killing two and injuring one person. A cycle of reprisal killings followed, with each attack fueling further violence.

Security forces swiftly intervened. On May 12, the Commander of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), visited the affected communities, deployed troops, and intensified police presence to stem the crisis. A peace meeting was convened with stakeholders from Bandawa, Munga Dasso, Munga Lelau, and Fulani settlements on May 15 and 16, with community leaders urged to rein in their youths and sign a peace accord.

However, the fragile peace was broken again on May 23 when a Munga Dasso youth was reportedly killed near a Fulani settlement, triggering another wave of deadly reprisals. Armed Fulani militia, allegedly mobilized from neighboring communities on nearly 50 motorcycles, launched a coordinated assault on Munga Lelau.

Although troops responded promptly, engaging the attackers and neutralizing two militia members, several villagers were killed before the assailants were repelled. A dusk-to-dawn curfew has since been imposed across the affected communities, with intensified security patrols and efforts to identify sponsors of the violence.

Meanwhile, troops under Operation LAFIYA JAMAA and OPWS have sustained security operations between May 24 and 25 across Karim Lamido, Zing, and Jalingo LGAs. Troops provided escort for the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) to deliver relief materials to displaced persons in Bandawa, Karim, and Bambuka.

In Munga Lelau, Bunkachi, and Gwamu villages, residents who had earlier fled are beginning to return, encouraged by the visible presence of security forces. Patrols were also conducted in Kambari and Monkin villages to prevent regrouping of armed elements.

Night patrols around the Munga Lelau–Bambuka axis and stop-and-search operations at Kpantinapo community in Jalingo have helped maintain calm. A “Block Force” mission was also launched in Jeb Jeb village to deny criminal groups access to strategic routes.

Despite the military’s swift and sustained intervention, security sources describe the situation as fragile and unpredictable. Community leaders and security officials are calling for urgent state government intervention, high-level mediation, and continued efforts to de-escalate tensions and rebuild trust among the warring factions.

By PRNigeria