INQUIRY: Witnesses Urge Creation of Karimjo Chiefdom as Peace Panel Probes 2023 Crisis

By Jako, July 20, 2025

As the Peace and Justice Commission of Inquiry continues its hearings into the 2023 inter-communal crisis in Karim Lamido and surrounding areas of Taraba State, key witnesses have called for the creation of a separate Karimjo Chiefdom as a pathway to lasting peace.

Appearing before the commission, Dr. Aliyu Bakoji Biko, a leading witness and prominent member of the Karimjo community, said the establishment of a Karimjo Chiefdom would provide the long-marginalized tribe with a sense of identity and belonging, which he described as critical to resolving lingering tensions between the Karimjo and Wurkum ethnic groups.

Dr. Biko also recommended that the headquarters of the existing Wurkum Chiefdom be relocated to Mutum Daya, a Wurkum-majority settlement within Karim Lamido Local Government Area, arguing that the current arrangement has been a source of friction.

During cross-examination, Dr. Biko attributed the root cause of the conflict to what he termed "systemic marginalization" of the Karimjo by the Wurkum. He pointed out that no Karimjo individual has been appointed to any leadership role within the Wurkum Chiefdom’s cabinet, a situation he said has fueled resentment and contributed to the outbreak of violence.

“If the Jenjo, Fulani, and Wurkum all have recognized chiefdoms, there is no reason why the Karimjo should be denied theirs,” he stated.

He recalled that the Karimjo Chiefdom was initially established in 1981, as documented in the Gongola State Gazette No. 36, Volume 6, but was later dissolved under the administration of Bamanga Tukur. While several other disbanded chiefdoms were reinstated in 1991, he lamented that the Karimjo Chiefdom was excluded.

Another witness, Mohammed Adamu Barrau, shed more light on the circumstances that ignited the 2023 crisis. He said tensions flared after provocative remarks made by Wurkum youths during a gathering at the Benue River bank to receive the newly installed Chief of Wurkum.

Barau testified that he personally witnessed the killing of two Karimjo youths at the palace of the Wurkum Chief, as well as further attacks inside Karim town. According to him, a total of 60 bodies belonging to members of the Karimjo community were recovered and buried after the violence.

The Peace and Justice Commission, led by Justice Silas Haruna, is expected to continue gathering testimonies in the coming days as it works toward uncovering the root causes of the conflict and recommending actionable steps for sustainable peace in the region.

Comments

INSECURITY: Two suspected kidnappers nabbed in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo.

Troops of six Brigade Nigerian Army headquarters ,Jalingo have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate terrorizing parts of Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State. A statement by Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations Six Brigade Nigeria Army headquarters, Jalingo, Captain Olubodunde Oni says the Brigade act on an intelligence report and two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar were apprehended early this week. The statement adds that the culprits were captured during a raid at a local hotel in Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo metropolis where they were hiding. It adds that Further investigations led to the discovery that the gang's hideout was at Kona Mountain in Jalingo , where additional members of the syndicate were believed to be camped. The statement says the leader of the gang Dahiru Idi was also apprehended following an operation at kona Mountain the following day. It states that the gang leader confessed to the recent kidn...

TARABA: Jenjo Youth Wing Disowns Magaji Gago’s Alleged Remarks Against Kefas, Reaffirms Loyalty.

By Jako Keke, March 04, 2026. The leadership of the Jenjo Youth Wing has publicly distanced itself from alleged remarks credited to Mr. Magaji Bulus Gago, popularly known as Max B, against Taraba State Governor, , and the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, . The Secretary General, Mr. Babangida Danbauchi, made this known during a press briefing today in Jalingo. He said the youth body debunked what it described as “misleading insults” directed at the governor and the commissioner, stressing that such comments do not reflect the values or position of the Jenjo people. According to him, the Jenjo community has always upheld a reputation for good character and remains committed to the progressive vision of advancing Taraba State. The Secretary General expressed regret over the development and emphasized that it would not be party to actions capable of undermining the state government. “We bow in regret and state clearly that such an attitude is not part of the Jenjo...

INSECURITY:Bissaula Community Leader Raises Alarm Over Renewed Attack, Calls for Lasting Security Deployment.

By Jako Keke, November 22,2025. A community leader in Bissaula Ward of Kurmi Local Government Area, Taraba State, Alhaji Idi Ismaila, has decried a fresh wave of violence that disrupted the fragile peace recently restored to the area. He made the remarks during a press briefing where he recounted the latest attack and appealed for urgent government intervention. According to Ismaila, the Bissaula community was thrown into panic on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., when unknown gunmen, suspected to be members of the Ndaka-Chamba militia, stormed the village and opened fire. Their primary target was said to be Baba Umaru Gambo, a former youth leader of the community and current Commander of the Taraba Marshal in Kurmi Local Government Area. Ismaila explained that Gambo and another resident, Kefas Hassan Bui, were seated outside when the attackers arrived. Both men fled, but the assailants allegedly pursued Gambo, shooting him multiple times and leaving him with...

Jalingo Times.

Search This Blog