Tension in Taraba: Farmers-Herders Clash in Bandawa Leaves Two Dead, Many Injured as Villagers Flee to Safety

 

A renewed wave of violence has broken out in Bandawa village, located in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, leading to tragic loss of lives and widespread panic in the community.

According to local sources, at least two people have been confirmed dead, and several others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a clash between local farmers and suspected Fulani herders. The conflict, which appears to have started as a localized dispute, has since escalated, leaving behind a trail of destruction and fear.

The violent confrontation began on Saturday, May 11, 2025, when the Karim Lamido Police Division received a distress call reporting a brutal attack on a farmer. The victim, identified as Buhari Malam, aged 34, was allegedly attacked with a machete by suspected Fulani herders while working on his farm.

Eyewitnesses said that Buhari was found with severe injuries and rushed to the Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) in Bandawa in a desperate attempt to save his life. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the medical personnel, he later died while receiving treatment.

This killing did not go unanswered. The tragic death of Buhari Malam triggered an immediate response from angry youths in the village. "The killing sparked a reprisal by aggrieved youths in Bandawa, who killed five cows and injured seven others," security sources told Zagazola Makama.

The situation took another deadly turn the very next day. On Sunday, May 12, 2025, yet another farmer, identified as Ishaku Tunde, was viciously attacked on his farm at around 10:10 a.m. by individuals believed to be herders. Ishaku suffered multiple machete wounds and was quickly transported to the PHCC for urgent medical care. Thankfully, he is still alive but remains in critical condition, receiving treatment at the facility.

Tragically, the violence did not end there. Just a little over two hours later, at approximately 12:30 p.m. on the same day, another man, Dauda Bawa, was ambushed and attacked. Dauda was traveling from Bandawa to Karim Lamido when he was suddenly attacked, suffering deep and fatal cuts to his neck. According to reports, "he was confirmed d3ad on arrival at the PHCC," bringing the death toll to at least two.

In the midst of the chaos, community leaders and security personnel began receiving reports of missing persons. A Fulani leader named Ardo Baka informed the authorities that six Fulani herders have not returned home since the violence began, raising concerns that there may be more unreported casualties or that these individuals may be hiding in fear for their lives.

The growing tension prompted swift action from the security agencies. A joint task force made up of the military, police, local vigilantes, and traditional hunters has now been deployed to Bandawa and surrounding areas to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed. Community dialogue has also been initiated. According to security officials, "Intensive patrols and surveillance have been reinforced. The situation is presently under control.”

Despite these efforts, the conflict has already caused significant disruption to the lives of local residents. In fear of further violence, many villagers have fled Bandawa, seeking refuge in neighboring communities. A large number of displaced persons are now sheltering in Lau town, which is currently hosting an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.

In a bid to calm tensions and offer hope to the affected families, the Chairman of Karim Lamido Local Government Council, Hon. Bitrus Danjos, paid a visit to the IDP camp on Monday, May 13, 2025. During his visit, he reassured the displaced residents of the government's commitment to restoring peace and ensuring their safety. He stated that the administration is fully aware of the gravity of the situation and is working closely with security agencies and community stakeholders to prevent a recurrence.

“We are doing everything possible to protect lives and properties,” the chairman said, as he addressed the displaced families.

This latest clash highlights the ongoing tension between farming communities and herders, a crisis that has affected several states across Nigeria for years. Many of these conflicts arise from disputes over land use, grazing rights, and mutual suspicion between both groups.

As the situation in Bandawa remains tense but reportedly “under control,” all eyes will be on the efforts of local authorities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to ensure the violence does not spread to other parts of Taraba State.

NaijaRush will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.