Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Bishop of United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area, Bishop Emmanuel Ande has condemned the attacks on Bandawa, Gurore Jabu and Munga Dosso all in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
In a statement signed by the Director Communication, Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta describe the situation as unfortunate and worrisome. The statement reads in parts.
“With deep sorrow and righteous indignation, the Office of the Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Taraba State condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks carried out by suspected Fulani herders on our members in Bandawa, Gurore Jabu, and Munga Dosso communities, all within Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
“These senseless acts of violence have resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives, displacement of families, and the destruction of homes and properties.
“We mourn with the affected families and communities, and we stand in unwavering solidarity with all who are grieving and suffering as a result of this brutal aggression.
The statement pointed out that the United Methodist Church believes in peace, justice, and the sacredness of human life.
“We call on all relevant authorities local, state, and federal to act swiftly to investigate these attacks, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or location.
“We also appeal to fellow Christians, interfaith communities, and civil society organizations to unite with us in prayer, advocacy, and support for the victims.
It said that the time has come for concerted action to end the cycle of violence that continues to afflict our rural communities.
“We urge our members in Taraba and across Nigeria to remain vigilant, steadfast in faith, and committed to peace, even in the face of provocation.
“As the Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
May God comfort the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and grant wisdom and courage to our leaders- the statement concluded.
Recall that tension gripped Karim Lamido Local Government Area as fresh communal violence between farming communities and Fulani herders leaving no fewer than 16 people dead in a devastating series of reprisals.
According to reports, the bloodshed erupted between May 12 and 14 in villages of Mungadosso, Bandawa, Wuro Guga, and the Fitowa bush, which has now become a battleground of vengeance.
Trouble began when suspected herders launched a wave of night raids in Mungadosso and Bandawa, killing many villagers and setting homes ablaze.
Locals claim the attackers were operating from a base in Wuro Guga, using the isolated terrain to strike undetected.
In a fierce counter attãck, heavily armed youths from Mungadosso stormed Fitowa bush, riding in on motorcycles and opening fire on unsuspecting herders. Six Fulani herders were reportedly günned down in the chilling revenge mission.
Now, fear has descended like a dark cloud. Families are fleeing for their lives, huts are smoldering, and entire communities are on edge, bracing for what could come next.
The root of this renewed carnage remains the age-old land and water disputes between farmers and herders—an issue that continues to inflame violence across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Authorities are pleading for calm and pushing for dialogue, while security patrols scramble to prevent further bloodshed.