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Three women killed as Bachama–Tsobo crisis resurfaces in Adamawa
Three women killed as Bachama–Tsobo crisis resurfaces in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The killing of three Tsobo women on a dry season rice farm in Numan Local Government Area has reignited the Bachama–Chobo conflict, whose roots stretch far beyond the sound of gunfire.
Zagazola Makama report that the latest incident occurred on Friday at about 10:30 a.m. while some Tsobo women were working on their dry-season rice farm. Sources said that suspected Bachama youths stormed the farming area in large numbers and began shooting sporadically. In the process, three women were shot dead,” the source said.
The killing of the three Tsobo women on a dry-season rice farm in Numan is not an isolated tragedy. It is the latest expression of a conflict whose roots lie far deeper than gunshots, farmlands or a single failed peace meeting.
The Bachama–Chobo crisis is a classic Nigerian communal conflict, layered, historical, emotional and politically combustible where land ownership, identity, chieftaincy authority and generational amnesia have fused into a dangerous cocktail.
At its core, the crisis is not merely about who owns which farmland. It is about who belongs, who rules, and who decides the future of a shared space. For centuries, Bachama and Chobo communities lived together in Numan and its environs under a largely harmonious arrangement. Markets were shared. Water points were communal. Schools, hospitals and even marriages crossed ethnic lines. There was no rigid separation between “host” and “settler” in daily life.
That coexistence was sustained not by written treaties or court judgments, but by social contracts rooted in tradition, mutual respect and the authority of traditional institutions. Disputes over land were settled locally. Authority was recognised, even if grudgingly. Peace endured because both sides saw coexistence as more valuable than confrontation.
What has changed is not history but how history is interpreted, weaponised and transmitted to younger generations. The Bachama and Chobo tell fundamentally different origin stories, and each story carries political implications.
The Chobo present themselves as original inhabitants, landlords who accommodated Bachama migrants out of goodwill. From this perspective, the Bachama are “guests” who have overstayed their welcome and now seek to dominate both land and chieftaincy.
The Bachama counter this narrative by portraying the Chobo as mountain dwellers who were encouraged to descend into the plains, settled and supported through leased farmlands. In this account, Bachama authority is not imposed but historically earned.
Neither narrative is neutral. Each defines who has moral legitimacy, who should defer, and who has the right to rule. Once such narratives harden, compromise becomes betrayal and dialogue becomes surrender.
Investigations and community testimonies consistently point to farmland disputes involving Waduku and Rigange as the immediate triggers of violence. But land is only the spark, not the fuel. Land disputes in Nigeria rarely remain about boundaries alone. They quickly evolve into questions of identity and power, especially where farming is the primary means of survival.
For Chobo communities described as largely mountain dwellers, access to fertile plains is existential. For Bachama communities, control of land reinforces political and traditional dominance. Once farming rights are framed as existential threats, moderation disappears.
Historically, traditional rulers resolved such disputes. Today, that mechanism is broken.
The Chobo’s rejection of traditional mediation stems from their perception that the entire traditional hierarchy is Bachama-dominated, making justice structurally impossible. From their standpoint, accepting verdicts from Bachama-led institutions amounts to legitimising subordination.
The Bachama, however, see this rejection as bad faith and intransigence, especially when mediation panels include Chobo representatives. Each side believes the other is deliberately undermining peace. This mutual distrust has hollowed out traditional conflict-resolution systems, leaving a vacuum filled by courts, security forces and increasingly youth militancy.
Perhaps the most dangerous element in the crisis is generational. Older community leaders remember coexistence. Younger actors remember grievance. Many of today’s youths were born into suspicion, not solidarity. They inherited anger without inheriting context.
Slogans like “Sokoto must go” illustrate how historical migration narratives are simplified into political weapons. Such rhetoric does not seek negotiation; it seeks erasure. Once a community is told it must “return” after centuries of settlement, violence becomes not only possible but, to some, justified. Social media, music and street mobilisation have amplified these sentiments, weakening elders’ authority and making youth groups de facto power brokers.
The chieftaincy question has transformed the conflict from communal disagreement into a struggle over sovereignty. Bachama leaders insist that Chobo fall under the statutory authority of the Hamma Bachama. Chobo leaders reject this, seeing it as symbolic domination. Withdrawal of allegiance was not merely cultural, it was political defiance.
Peace talks collapsed largely because reconciliation was framed as submission rather than coexistence. Apologies demanded, loyalties reaffirmed and conditions imposed turned dialogue into a zero-sum contest. In conflicts of identity, dignity often matters more than land.
The Adamawa State Government, through peace agencies and direct intervention by Gov. Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, has made sustained efforts to mediate between the warring communities. Multiple meetings involving elders, youth representatives, traditional rulers and government officials have been held. Yet, each round of talks has ended without lasting agreement, often undermined by fresh outbreaks of violence shortly after. Curfews and security deployments have restored temporary calm, but residents say such measures amount to enforced silence rather than genuine peace.
The renewed violence has taken a heavy toll on civilians, particularly women engaged in farming and trading.
Community leaders lament that farms and markets once symbols of shared livelihood have become theatres of bloodshed. The killing of women working on rice farms has deepened fears and resentment, reinforcing the sense that the conflict has spiralled beyond control. The Bachama–Chobo crisis mirrors broader challenges across Nigeria, where disputes over land, identity and traditional authority intersect with weak dispute-resolution mechanisms and rising youth radicalisation.
Until issues of legitimacy, land access and historical grievances are addressed through an inclusive and neutral process, observers warn that violence will continue to recur.
End
Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on aspirants seeking various elective positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and party stakeholders to adopt consensus as the preferred mode for candidate emergence ahead of the party primaries.
The APC primary elections are scheduled to commence on Friday, 15 May, with the House of Representatives primaries and climax on Saturday, 23 May, with the presidential primaries.
Governor Zulum made the call on Thursday during a critical stakeholders’ meeting held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri, stressing that consensus remains the most viable option for strengthening party unity.
“Let me start by appreciating all our stakeholders for the support and commitment to advancing the course of our great party, APC, and our administration,” Zulum said.
“As we prepare for the party primaries, which will commence on Friday, I want to remind all our aspirants contesting various elective positions that consensus is the best and most viable option for the party in our state. However, if we are unable to arrive at a consensus, we will go for direct primaries,” he added.
The governor further emphasized his commitment to democratic principles, assuring stakeholders that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency.
“As a democrat, I will not force any candidate on a particular constituency, but rather encourage us to continue consultations with stakeholders for consensus candidates to emerge,” Zulum stated.
He urged aspirants to reflect on the past, project better opportunities in the future and maintain party loyalty, noting that those who may not secure tickets in the 2027 elections could still have chances ahead.
Governor Zulum also announced that aspirants who voluntarily withdraw from contests would be considered for appointments and other opportunities at both the federal and state levels.
To facilitate consultations across the state, the governor constituted zonal consultative committees headed by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, for the Southern Zone; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, for the Central Zone; and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno for the Northern Zone.
Governor Zulum also formally presented the APC consensus governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, to stakeholders, fulfilling the promise he made during the high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on 25 April.
APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon Ali Bukar Dalori, and State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Bello Ayuba, all re-echo the need for consensus as the means of primary election in the state.
They emphasized that consensus will strengthen party cohesion and unity in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was attended by prominent personalities, including Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, the APC consensus Gubernatorial candidate, Engr Mustapha Gubio, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan, Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, serving and former members of the House of Representatives, APC state chairman, former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, and other members of the House.
Others include the Secretary to the state government, the acting Chief of Staff, the Commissioner’s designate, Special Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, APC party executives, and other stakeholders.
Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation
By: Michael Mike
The bail application filed by
Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, on Thursday suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja after two lawyers, Femi Balogun and Marshall Abubakar, clashed over who to represent him.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had, on May 4, fixed today for hearing of Mark’s bail request shortly after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) and pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge.
The adjournment followed an application by Mark’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, who told the court of the need to admit his client to bail pending trial.
The DSS had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, sued Crack, as sole defendant over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.
Mark was alleged to have circulated a false information and publication of materials capable of causing public unrest.
The defendant, who was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army, was accused of publishing the viral video and accompanying statements through his X handle, @JusticeCrack, alleging inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.
When the case was called on Thursday, Leyii Abueh, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the matter from the DSS in line with the relevant section of the law.
However, things took a dramatic twist as Femi Balogun and Abubakar stood up to announce appearance for the same Crack.
Balogun told the court that he was briefed by Mark’s family to take up the case.
He notified the court about the defence bail application already filed.
However, Abubakar stood his ground, insisting that he was the defendant’s lawyer, who had been appearing in the case and he had not been disengaged from handling Crack’s matter.
Justice Abdulmalik then asked the defendant to identify his lawyer and Mark pointed at Balogun.
Against this development, Abubakar applied to withdraw all the processes he filed in respect of the case, including the bail application which Balogun had relied on.
The judge struck out the processes filed by Abubakar and adjourned until May 18 for hearing of the fresh bail application.
Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation
News
Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced
Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Germany have reinforced their long-standing development and economic partnership with new commitments spanning financial cooperation, private sector investment, skills development, energy transition, agriculture, and digital transformation.
The renewed collaboration was reaffirmed during high-level bilateral engagements and the signing of a Summary of Record in Abuja, where both governments reviewed progress in ongoing programmes and agreed on expanded areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s reform and development agenda.
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the partnership as a key milestone in Nigeria–Germany relations, noting that it reflects shared priorities anchored on mutual respect, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth.
He expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Government of Germany, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, KfW Development Bank, GIZ, and other implementing partners, for what he described as constructive and forward-looking negotiations.
A major outcome of the engagements is Germany’s commitment of approximately €65 million in new financial and technical cooperation across agreed priority sectors. In addition, both countries discussed a proposed €300 million export credit guarantee framework, designed to mobilize private investment and expand long-term financing for strategic infrastructure and development projects in Nigeria.
Officials from both sides said the financing arrangements are intended not only to provide direct support but also to unlock broader capital flows into key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The expanded partnership prioritizes agricultural transformation, climate and energy transition, skills development, health systems strengthening, and inclusive economic growth.
German institutions and private sector actors including Siemens and SAP played a visible role in the engagement, showcasing ongoing projects in Nigeria. Siemens highlighted its involvement in energy sector skills development and power infrastructure-related initiatives, while SAP presented digital solutions aimed at modernizing tax administration and strengthening Nigeria’s digital governance systems.
The German delegation, led by Africa Director at BMZ, Mr. Philip Knill, also referenced ambitions to support large-scale skills development programmes, including proposals aimed at training up to one million Nigerians in technical, digital, and vocational competencies to enhance productivity and employment outcomes.
Both sides acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including macroeconomic stabilization efforts, energy sector reforms, healthcare transformation, and initiatives to improve the investment climate and stimulate private sector-led growth.
Knill expressed confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory, describing the country as a key partner in Africa with significant potential for industrial expansion, agricultural modernization, and energy transition.
Nigeria, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all agreed programmes are nationally owned, properly coordinated, and aligned with long-term development frameworks, including the National Development Plan 2026–2030 and Agenda 2050.
As part of the broader engagement, German officials undertook field visits and technical discussions with Nigerian ministries and agencies, including energy infrastructure sites and development programme locations.
They highlighted existing cooperation outcomes, noting that joint Nigeria–Germany programmes have already supported hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers, improved access to training, and strengthened thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. These interventions, they said, have contributed to increased incomes and improved productivity in key sectors.
In the energy sector, both sides discussed ongoing efforts to expand generation capacity and improve transmission systems, with Germany expressing readiness to continue supporting Nigeria’s power sector reforms and renewable energy ambitions.
A key feature of the engagement was the emphasis on development cooperation as a catalyst for private sector investment, innovation, and job creation. Officials stressed that future cooperation must go beyond aid, focusing instead on leveraging private capital and building sustainable economic partnerships.
Knill also noted the importance of strengthening economic ties between Europe and Africa in the context of global instability, including conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related challenges.
Both governments described the agreements not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of deeper implementation-focused cooperation.
German officials emphasized a “signing today, implementation tomorrow” approach, underscoring the importance of translating agreements into measurable development outcomes. Nigeria echoed this position, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring effective coordination and delivery of agreed programmes.
The renewed Nigeria–Germany partnership marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation across economic, technological, and development sectors. With fresh financing commitments, expanded private sector involvement, and a shared focus on structural reforms and human capital development, both countries say they are positioning the partnership for greater impact in the years ahead.
The engagement is expected to accelerate ongoing programmes and open new pathways for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth across Nigeria’s priority sectors, particularly energy, agriculture, digital economy, and skills development.
Nigeria, Germany Deepen Strategic Partnership €65 Million Development Package, €300 Million Credit Facility and Expanded Economic Cooperation Announced
Greater progress awaits Gombe South if elected Senator- Damara
Zulum: Consensus Remains Preferred Option for APC Primaries in Borno
Justice Crack’s bail plea suffers setback as two lawyers clash in court over representation
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