At least seven people have reportedly died and over 340 houses have been destroyed following renewed violence involving Mambilla residents and Fulani pastoralists in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Residents and community leaders said the incident began in Geroji, within Mbamnga Ward, before spreading to neighbouring settlements. The violence also reportedly resulted in the deaths of 186 animals, including cattle, sheep and horses. More than 1,000 people were forced to leave their homes, while community sources warned that the casualty figure could increase. This is because some residents were still unaccounted for.
According to local accounts, the confrontation started on Friday after an argument between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man. It subsequently extended to Geroji, Mbara and other nearby communities. The settlements reportedly affected include Wuro Buba, Wuro Ardo Bashiru, Wuro Wakili Idrisa, Wuro Saleh Petel, Wuro Hassan Jaji, Wuro Alhaji Jibo, Wuro Alhaji Manu and Wuro Mbarkal.
Ardo Bashiru, a community leader, said the destruction had deprived residents of their homes, animals and sources of income.
“Our homes have been destroyed, and we have lost cattle, sheep and horses to the violence. Nothing has been left for many families,” he said.
A separate source said large numbers of people, including women and children, crossed into Cameroon and sought safety in Nyang. The source further claimed that unidentified gunmen attacked residents and burned buildings in several locations.
Mohammed Umar, chairman of Sardauna LGA, confirmed that many people had fled the area. He said efforts were underway to return displaced residents and that security personnel had been sent to the affected communities. Furthermore, Umar warned that anyone responsible for undermining the longstanding peace in the area would be prosecuted.
The Chief of Mbamnga, Alhaji Abubakar Saleh, urged residents to avoid retaliation and preserve the relationship between the communities.
“For generations, these communities have lived as neighbours and relatives. We have never experienced a disaster of this scale here,” he said.
Security Agencies Begin Joint Operations
The Taraba State Police Command and the Nigerian Army have formed a joint security operation to inspect the affected locations and stabilise the area.
Police said Commissioner of Police Edwin Ogbeghagha visited the communities with the Army Brigade Commander and other officers. The delegation met with local leaders and reviewed the extent of the damage. According to the command, the meetings addressed the need for stronger patrols, better intelligence collection and improved protection for residents and their property.
The police also announced the deployment of more personnel and a helicopter to support aerial monitoring of the affected communities. Ogbeghagha appealed to residents to remain peaceful and share reliable information that could assist investigators in locating and apprehending those behind the attacks. He urged the state government, traditional rulers and community representatives to maintain close coordination with security agencies.
Echuseh Audu, executive secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency, said relief teams had sent food, medical items and materials for temporary accommodation to affected households within 48 hours of the violence.
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