By Nigerian News24 staff
At least two people have been confirmed dead, and several others injured after renewed clashes erupted between farmers and Fulani herders in Bandawa village, located in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reports that the violence started on May 11 when 34-year-old Buhari Malam was allegedly attacked and macheted by suspected herders while working on his farm. He later succumbed to his injuries at the Bandawa Primary Health Care Centre.
Malam’s death sparked retaliation by local youths, who slaughtered five cows and left seven others wounded. The violence escalated further on May 12, when another farmer, Ishaku Tunde, was attacked and sustained multiple machete wounds. Later that day, Dauda Bawa was killed while traveling from Bandawa to Karim Lamido.
Local security sources revealed that a Fulani leader, Ardo Baka, reported the disappearance of six herders in the wake of the violence. In response, a joint task force consisting of the military, police, vigilantes, and local hunters has been deployed to restore order, and peace talks are currently underway in the community.
In a separate incident in Plateau State, armed bandits launched an attack on Dogon Ruwa village in the Wase Local Government Area on May 12. The assault resulted in the death of one resident and the abduction of two others.
The assailants, riding on motorcycles, shot and killed Alhaji Saini Haruna before abducting Alhaji Maikasuwa and Muhammadu Snu. A rapid response team, including the military, police, and DSS, has been dispatched to the area to assist with the investigation and rescue efforts.
The deceased was buried according to Islamic rites, with the family opting out of an autopsy. Authorities are working to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.