A fresh outbreak of violence between farmers and herders in Taraba State has left more than ten people dead, including a serving local government councillor. The tragic incident has once again highlighted the persistent conflict over land and resources in the region.
How the Gundom Village Crisis Unfolded
The clash occurred in Gundom village, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, on Saturday, January 10, 2025. According to a local source, Lawal Adamu, who spoke to journalists, the trouble began when a herder allegedly led his cattle into a farm, resulting in significant destruction of crops.
In a retaliatory move, villagers reportedly apprehended the herder and killed him. This single act ignited a cycle of violent reprisals between the farming community and pastoralists in the area. The ensuing conflict quickly escalated, leading to multiple fatalities.
Casualties and Official Response
Among those confirmed killed was Honourable Shagari Bankaki, the councillor representing Akete Ward in the Donga Local Government Council. Lawal Adamu stated that the violence led to the death of over ten people, though the exact number of casualties on both sides remained unclear at the time of initial reporting.
The police authorities provided a preliminary account. The spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the incident but gave a lower initial casualty figure. He stated that police had so far recovered three dead bodies and one wounded woman from the scene.
Mshelizah added that the Divisional Police Officer for Donga Division was leading a team of operatives to search nearby forests. This operation aims to determine if there are more victims or casualties that have not yet been accounted for following the deadly confrontation.
Ongoing Tensions and Search for Resolution
This latest clash underscores the deep-seated and often violent tensions between farming and herding communities in parts of Nigeria, including Taraba State. Disputes primarily revolve around access to land, destruction of crops by cattle, and competition for dwindling resources, frequently leading to fatal confrontations.
The discrepancy between local reports of over ten deaths and the police confirmation of three bodies highlights the chaos often surrounding such incidents in remote areas. The police search of the forests is a critical step in establishing the full scope of the tragedy.
Communities in Donga LGA and the broader Taraba region are now left to mourn their losses, including the prominent political figure, Councillor Bankaki. The incident calls for urgent measures to address the root causes of the farmer-herder conflict to prevent further bloodshed and foster lasting peace in the area.
