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.

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