By Jako, July 28, 2025
The Chairman of Karim Lamido Local Government Council, Hon. Bitrus Danjos, has proposed the creation of a Special Development Area carved out of Karim Lamido LGA as a strategic measure to mitigate recurring security challenges in the region.
Danjos made the suggestion while testifying before the Peace and Justice Commission of Inquiry into the recent Karim Lamido crisis, currently sitting in Jalingo.
He told the Commission that Karim Lamido is the largest local government area in Taraba State, with over 300 communities scattered across difficult terrains, making security management particularly challenging. According to him, the vast size and complexity of the area significantly contribute to the difficulties in responding swiftly to outbreaks of violence.
The Chairman lamented that the monthly running cost allocated to the council is grossly insufficient to facilitate regular movement and rapid deployment of security personnel during emergencies.
Since assuming office, Danjos disclosed that Karim Lamido has recorded at least 24 different crises, ranging from farmers-herders clashes, communal violence, to religious conflicts, particularly between the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN).
He also recounted a personal experience in May 2025 when his motorcade came under attack by gunmen while returning from the burial of victims of a violent incident in Bandawa. The ambush occurred along the Wamushi–Ngurore Jabu–Munga Lelau axis.
During cross-examination, the Chairman noted that both Fulani herders and farming communities suffered casualties in the crisis that engulfed Bandawa, Munga Dosso, and Munga Lelau, with the latter being the worst affected.
In his response, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Silas Haruna, faulted local government leadership across Taraba State for failing to implement the 1976 Land Use Act, particularly the provision for establishing Land Advisory Committees. He emphasized that such committees, if functional, could have provided professional assessments to prevent land-related disputes.
Justice Haruna further called on Council Chairmen and Ward Councillors to rise to their responsibilities by addressing local issues proactively. He noted that effective grassroots governance would go a long way in easing the burden on the state government and promoting lasting peace in Taraba.
The Commission continues to hear testimonies as it seeks to unravel the root causes of the crises in Karim Lamido and other troubled areas in the state.
Comments
Post a Comment