Fresh violence in Taraba claims 30 lives, sparks criticism over govt response

Published

11 months ago

May 24, 2025

A renewed wave of violence in Taraba State has left more than 30 people dead and dozens displaced following attacks on Munga and Magami villages in Karim-Lamido local government council.

The assaults, reportedly carried out by suspected armed herders in the early hours of Saturday, also resulted in the destruction of homes and properties, compounding fears among residents and casting a shadow over the state’s recent investment drive.

The incident comes on the heels of the high profile Taraba Investment Summit, which drew national attention with appearances from business moguls such as Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The summit, aimed at rebranding Taraba as an investor friendly state, is now being overshadowed by escalating insecurity.

Survivors and eyewitnesses criticized what they described as the state government’s slow and inadequate response to persistent security threats in the region.

Many expressed disappointment over Governor Agbu Kefas’s absence from the affected communities, drawing comparisons to Borno State governor Babagana Zulum, known for his proactive approach and visits to conflict zones.

Karim-Lamido has increasingly become a hotspot for violence, with the latest assault in Munga Lelau marking another deadly chapter.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas condemned the attack as “horrendous and unacceptable”. He assured the public that the perpetrators would face justice.

“Our citizens’ safety is my top priority,” the governor stated. “We have activated all necessary security measures to prevent further violence and bring those responsible to book.”

Kefas called on residents to cooperate with security agencies, remain vigilant, and report suspicious activity. He urged calm while emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.

Speaking on the attack, the Taraba State Police Command said tensions were triggered after a 15-year-old boy, Isah Ishaku of Munga Doso, was allegedly macheted on his farm by an unknown assailant.

Police spokesperson James Leshen said a joint team of conventional police officers and the Police Mobile Force (PMF) had been deployed to the affected communities.

Leshen said efforts were underway to restore calm and apprehend those behind the violence. Aggressive patrols have commenced in the region, and community leaders have been engaged to mediate and de-escalate tensions.

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Chaos As Military Officers Exchange Blows During Tinubu’s Visit To Bayelsa (Videos)

Published

7 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Personnel of the Nigerian military were seen engaging in a fight during the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa on Friday.

In a video spotted on social media, the driver of a Hilux vehicle marked “Naval Police” was seen stepping down from his vehicle and exchanging words with another driver.

After returning to his vehicle, another driver with a rifle approached him and threw a punch at the Naval Police driver, triggering a brawl.

The incident quickly escalated into a free-for-all, with personnel attached to both vehicles exchanging blows, while stunned civilians watched in disbelief.

HRH Ekwueme of Ochia Kingdom Iynched & kiIIed in Imo.

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Gunmen on Friday night killed the traditional ruler of Ochia, Barr Paulinus Ekwueme, alongside security operatives in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. The attackers ambushed the monarch at the boundary of Assa and Ochia communities after he returned from a trip abroad earlier in the week.

Some security operatives in his convoy were also shot dead. Eyewitness said the monarch and the security operatives were set ablaze after the killing, adding that the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area had been thrown into mourning.

Hrm lives in America, but some in his town accuse him of acquiring lots of wealth coming from the oil in their land and yet they have no nepa (light) and other amenities, and that this angered the youths of his community to take this step. One said Ms Duruaku wrote, “he ate the youth empowerment meant given to him by shell oil company and ran abroad for years”

#Ekwutosblog

Abuja hotel collapse: Wike orders arrest of owner, to convert land to public use

Published

2 weeks ago

April 7, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate arrest of the owner of a multi-story hotel that collapsed in Jikwoyi, Abuja last Friday, April 4 and announced that the land would be seized for public use.

LIB had reported that the building crumbled while workers were on site, triggering an emergency response from relevant authorities.

Visiting the site today April 7, Wike said the building was constructed without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control and that all the stop-work notices sent to the builders were ignored by the developer.

Wike confirmed that while there were no fatalities, several people sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. He warned that the outcome could have been far worse.

Announcing the government’s plans for the land, Wike said the FCT Administration will take over the land for public use, noting that those responsible for the illegal construction will face prosecution in accordance with the law.

He added that the local community would be consulted to determine a suitable public-purpose project for the reclaimed site.