Karim Lamido Crisis: Peace and Justice Commission Commence Hearing , As Bikwin Chiefdom Reports 50 Deaths

The Chairman of the Peace and Justice Commission of Inquiry into the recent Karim Lamido crisis and other conflict-ridden areas in Taraba State, Justice Silas Haruna, has assured affected communities that justice will be delivered to all tribes involved in the crisis.

 

Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders from Karim Lamido Local Government Area in Jalingo, Justice Haruna emphasized the Commission's commitment to fairness, reconciliation, and peacebuilding.

 

He expressed deep concern over the recurring communal conflicts in the area, noting that such crises bring nothing but destruction and suffering. "Crisis has always caused more harm than good, especially in communities where mutual tolerance is lacking," he remarked.

 

 

Justice Haruna extended condolences to families who lost loved ones in the violence and reassured them that the Commission would spare no effort in uncovering the root causes of the conflict and recommending practical solutions to ensure lasting peace.

 

He stressed that the Commission's mission is not to witch-hunt anyone, but to conduct a thorough investigation based on facts and submissions from all parties. "We are here to find the truth and make recommendations that can restore harmony," he said.

 

Justice Haruna also commended community leaders and stakeholders for submitting their memoranda to the Commission and urged them to remain honest and sincere in their contributions. 

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Karim Lamido Local Government Council, Bitrus Danjos, expressed appreciation to Governor Agbu Kefas for establishing the Commission. He said the initiative would go a long way in addressing the pressing security challenges in the area and building confidence among the people.

The Commission's work is seen as a crucial step toward peace and reconciliation in Karim Lamido, which has been rocked by inter-communal clashes in recent times.

 

Meanwhile the Peace and Justice Commission of Inquiry into the recent crisis in Karim Lamido Local Government Area has received a grim report from the Bikwin Chiefdom, indicating that at least 50 people were killed in a series of attacks in May.

Testifying before the commission in Jalingo, the Secretary of Bikwin Chiefdom, Mr. Dennis Chinye, disclosed that the attacks occurred on May 13 and May 23, 2025. He said the violence erupted in Bandawa community and quickly spread to MungaDosso, Magami, and Munga Lelau.

"Eleven people were killed in Munga Dosso, two in Magami, and thirty-eight in Munga Lelau by suspected Fulani herdsmen," Chinye told the panel, led by retired Justice Silas Haruna.

Chinye added that the chiefdom promptly reported the incidents to the police outpost in Munga Dosso. He attributed the root causes of the crisis to a combination of factors, including lack of patience, poor parenting, drug abuse among youths, and increasing population pressure leading to competition over farming and grazing lands.

He also noted that efforts were made to contact the Ardo Fulani to determine whether members of the Fulani community also suffered casualties or property loss during the attacks.

In a separate testimony, another witness, Alhaji Tashi Yawu, a resident of Munga Dosso, told the commission that two of his daughters were killed in the violence. He further revealed that about fourteen Fulani individuals also lost their lives in the same incident.

Responding to the testimonies, Justice Silas Haruna expressed appreciation to the witnesses for their courage in coming forward. He assured the public that the commission is committed to uncovering the root causes of the conflict in order to promote lasting peace.

The chairman also condemned the ongoing cycle of reprisal attacks in Karim Lamido, urging all parties involved to embrace dialogue and lay down their arms in the interest of peace and stability.