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

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP, UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA EPISCOPAL AREA AND MISSION DISTRICTS OF SENEGAL AND CAMEROON BISHOP ANDE I. EMMANUEL.

Statement Condemning the Attack on Bamyam Theological Seminary The United Methodist Church in Nigeria strongly condemns the recent attack on Bamyam Theological Seminary in Bambur by leaders and members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in Nigeria. This act of aggression, which included the vandalization of United Methodist landmarks, signposts, and logos—specifically at the Seminary chapel, is not only an affront to our faith but a clear attempt to erase the identity and heritage of The United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria. This incident is not isolated. It is directly connected to the illegal occupation of UMC properties by the GMC, the December 15th brutal killing of 27-year-old Masoyi and two infants in Munga Dosso, and the burning down of a United Methodist Church worship center in Keru, Benue District. These coordinated attacks expose the Global Methodist Church’s ongoing campaign of intimidation, violence, an...

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...

RELIGION: UMC-N Bishop Ande Emmanuel decries continual tensions,calls on Gov.Agbu to waive into the matter.

The Resident Bishop United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area, Ande Emmanuel has decried continual tensions impacting the church in Nigeria. The Bishop, in a Press briefing in Jalingo, condemned any act of violence or disrespect to the church, referencing the attack at Banyan Theological Seminary in the Bambur Community of Karim Lamido Local government area. He remarked that the Seminary established in 1946 by the United Methodist Church agencies and donors has been manned by the church and has continued to fund the Seminary that has trained many clergy of the UMC, including him. The Bishop added that earlier before the attack on the Seminary, on February 6th,2025, a United Methodist Church, Keru Charge in Balaifi In Benue District of North Eastern Nigeria was set ablaze the attack he attributed to persons associated with the Global Methodist Church. Bishop Ande remarked that the UMC has always toured the path of peace, calling on the GMC leadership to work with i...

Jalingo Times.

Search This Blog