Bandawa Community Cries Out Over Escalating Attacks, Urges Taraba Governor to Intervene

The Bandawa community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has raised an urgent appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas, seeking immediate government intervention to prevent what they describe as a targeted campaign of violence and displacement by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

In a petition titled “Bandawa Community Bleeds: The Urgent Need for Government to Save the Bandawa Community of Karim-Lamido from Total Elimination,” the community detailed a disturbing pattern of land invasions, killings, and destruction of livelihoods that have left several dead and many displaced.

The petition, made available to Daily Post, was jointly signed by Mathias Manyi Bandawa, National President of the Bandawa Community Development Association, and Ishaya Peter Bandawa, President of the Youth Wing. The leaders chronicled a series of violent incidents allegedly perpetrated by armed herders, including the destruction of farmland, illegal grazing, and brutal attacks on residents.

Tensions reportedly escalated in May 2025 following the circulation of a viral TikTok video in which a Fulani youth issued threats against the Bandawa people, accusing them of cattle rustling—allegations the community strongly denies.

A peace meeting convened by the Taraba State Commissioner of Police on May 21 and attended by various ethnic groups was boycotted by Fulani representatives, a move the Bandawa community says worsened existing mistrust. Despite reassurances from leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that peace would prevail, a deadly attack occurred just two days later in the nearby Munga Lelau settlement, resulting in multiple deaths and significant property damage.

“Since then, armed herders have continued to invade our farmlands, graze on our crops, storm our homes, and violently attack anyone who resists,” the petition stated.

A recent attack on June 28 claimed the lives of three residents—Timothy Ayuba, Monday Emmanuel, and Kawu Rabo—who were reportedly fishing and farming when they were ambushed.

The community further accused certain Fulani leaders, including individuals from neighboring Gombe State, of inciting violence through false claims of cattle theft and malicious legal actions intended to criminalize Bandawa residents and some local law enforcement officers.

“Our people have always lived peacefully with others. But now, some Fulani elements appear determined to deny us any peace or right to our land,” the statement read.

The Bandawa community called on the state government and security agencies to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence and to deploy additional security forces to the region for sustained surveillance and protection.

“We are a small population without the means to hide hundreds of rustled cattle as alleged. These accusations are false and dangerously inflammatory,” the community emphasized.

While affirming their commitment to peace and development, the community warned that continued inaction could result in further bloodshed and the permanent loss of their ancestral homeland.