House of Representatives Urges Action Against Ongoing Violence in Taraba State
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene in the escalating violence between the Kalinjo and Ulukun communities in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. Recent confrontations have resulted in multiple fatalities, left many residents displaced, and caused extensive property damage amounting to millions of naira.
Motion Highlights Deteriorating Security Situation
This plea follows a motion introduced by Mohammed Audu, which highlighted the deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions faced by these communities. During the plenary session on Wednesday, Audu reported that fresh hostilities erupted on May 29, 2026, leading to at least five deaths and numerous injuries, alongside substantial destruction of homes, crops, and livestock.
Warning of Escalating Hostilities
Audu cautioned that these renewed clashes are further aggravating an already precarious security situation in Karim Lamido, where residents also contend with banditry linked to the borders of Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe states. He indicated that over 100 community members have been forced from their homes, rendering them particularly vulnerable and lacking access to essential resources.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
“More than 100 people in various areas of Karim, including Sarakan, have been displaced, rendering them homeless and susceptible to additional assaults. They struggle to find drinking water and other basic necessities,” Audu informed his peers. This mounting crisis poses significant challenges for many as they contend with the loss of livelihoods and basic security.
Impact on Agricultural Livelihoods
Audu further emphasized the severe ramifications of the conflict on the agricultural-dependent local economy. Communities that rely heavily on farming and livestock have witnessed their means of subsistence destroyed due to the violence, leading many to face severe hardships. “The majority of the victims are farmers whose livelihoods have suddenly evaporated, leaving areas like Mutun Daya, Bumble Zailani, Didango, Andami, and Mayo Ghauri filled with refugees,” he reported.
Threats to Peace and Stability
The House expressed its concern regarding the persistent violence between neighboring communities, which continues to destabilize parts of Taraba State—regions already susceptible to criminal activities and cross-border banditry. Intermittent conflicts over land ownership, boundary disputes, and access to natural resources have plagued the Karim Lamido Local Government Area for years, complicating peacebuilding efforts.
Calls for Immediate Action and Long-term Solutions
Lawmakers warned that without immediate and decisive action, the humanitarian predicament could worsen, leaving displaced families struggling to secure shelter, food, clean water, and medical assistance. The House urged relevant security agencies to step up their efforts to restore peace and prevent further loss of life and property. Furthermore, they called on the federal government and humanitarian organizations to mobilize emergency aid and support affected communities.
Need for Sustained Peacebuilding Efforts
The importance of sustained peacebuilding initiatives was reiterated, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue to address root causes of conflict and strengthening security measures in vulnerable areas. This intervention comes at a time of heightened concern over the rising frequency of communal conflicts across the country, many of which exacerbate displacement, food insecurity, and overall humanitarian challenges in rural settings.
