Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis

Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis

By: Zagazola Makama

The latest attack on Munga Lelau community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has once again thrust the fragile security situation in the region into national focus. The attack, which reportedly occurred on Friday evening, left many dead and communities in mourning.

In response, Governor Agbu Kefas swiftly condemned the incident, describing the carnage as “horrendous and unacceptable.” In a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, the governor expressed outrage at the continuous assaults, warned of grave repercussions for the perpetrators, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing the state.

However, while such condemnation is commendable and necessary to signal empathy and political will, what is urgently required now is a comprehensive, transparent, and sustained response that goes beyond words. The time has come for Governor Kefas to not only condemn the attacks but also to lead a full-fledged, fact-based investigation into what truly transpired and why.

The attack in Munga Lelau is not an isolated case. It follows a recent incident in Bandawa where two farmers were reportedly killed by suspected bandits. This recurring pattern of violence often fueled by retaliatory attacks between farmers and herders points to deeper, unresolved tensions in the Karim Lamido axis. While the rainy season usually heightens competition for land and water resources, what we are seeing is the escalation of low-grade communal tension into full-blown armed conflict.

Security forces have, on several occasions, brokered peace accords between aggrieved parties. Yet, these agreements have often been short-lived. Just Yesterday, troops under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa had to intervene after youths from Badanwa reportedly attacked herders grazing near their village, sparking reprisals and further bloodshed.

This cycle of provocation and retaliation is precisely why Governor Kefas must now go beyond condemning the violence and institute a full investigation. There is a growing concern that certain individuals referred to as “conflict entrepreneurs” may be exploiting these tensions for personal or political gain. These actors must be identified and held accountable, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation.

Equally, justice must not be selective. All sides must be heard, and those found culpable, whether among farmers or herders, must face the full weight of the law. Only a fair and balanced approach can restore confidence in government intervention and prevent further descent into lawlessness.

To achieve lasting peace, the state government must adopt a three-pronged approach:

Deploy additional security personnel to flashpoints in Karim Lamido and impose necessary restrictions, including curfews, where needed to prevent reprisal attacks. Peace committees comprising community leaders, religious heads, and youth representatives should be activated or reconstituted to immediately de-escalate tensions.

Establish an independent investigative panel to ascertain the root causes of the recurring violence. This panel should be empowered to take testimonies, review previous peace accords, and recommend actionable strategies. Simultaneously, set up mobile courts to fast-track justice delivery and deter impunity.

Develop and implement a comprehensive land-use and grazing policy, supported by modern conflict resolution training and dialogue platforms across LGAs. More investments should also go into education, vocational training, and rural infrastructure to address some of the socioeconomic drivers of insecurity.

Taraba must not be allowed to slide into a theatre of unchecked violence. Now is the time for Gov. Kefas to lead boldly, ensuring not only that peace is restored but that it is sustainable, just, and inclusive.

Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis