Over 1,000 Displaced as Violence Destroys Homes in Taraba

More than 1,000 people have been forced from their homes due to a communal clash in Geroji and nearby areas in Mbamnga Ward, Taraba State. Reports say over 340 houses were destroyed during the violence.

The conflict, which lasted three days starting from 16 September, also drove some residents to seek safety in Cameroon. Community leaders and local officials say several people were killed or remain unaccounted for.

As of now, the exact number of casualties has not been confirmed.

An official from the State Security Service was reportedly killed in the violence, according to witnesses and community leaders.

The clash led to the loss of livestock, including cattle and sheep. Residents mentioned that some animals were also stolen during the crisis.

Ardo Bashiru, a community leader, told reporters that over 340 houses were destroyed in Geroji and Mbara. He added that food supplies and other sources of income have also been wiped out, leaving many families without shelter or basic needs.

“Tonnes of foodstuff and other means of livelihood have been completely destroyed in the conflict that lasted for about three days from September 16, 2026,” Mr Bashiru said.

He called on the federal and state governments, humanitarian groups, and other organizations to quickly help the displaced people.

Mr Bashiru pointed out that the ongoing rainy season has made things worse for those who fled, especially for those without shelter.

The areas affected include Wuro Buba, Wuro Ardo Bashiru, Wuro Wakili Idrisa, Wuro Saleh Petel, Wuro Hassan Jaji, Wuro Alhaji Jibo, Wuro Alhaji Manu, and Wuro Mbarkal, all around Geroji in Mbamnga.

The Chairman of Sardauna Local Government, Mohammed Umar, confirmed what happened. He said the crisis began after a fight between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man on a farm.

Mr Umar described the situation as sad and mentioned that security agents have been sent to the affected areas to restore calm. He warned that anyone trying to disrupt peace would face serious consequences.

He also said plans are in place to bring back residents who fled to Nyang in the Donga-Mantung Division of Cameroon.

The chairman urged governments, traditional leaders, and humanitarian agencies to help with resettling and supporting the displaced people.

The Chief of Mbamnga, Abubakar Saleh, also called for peace, asking residents to maintain their long-standing bonds.

Mr Saleh referred to the residents as brothers and sisters. He noted that traditional leaders and other stakeholders are working hard to prevent further violence.

He pointed out that this incident is the first significant conflict of this kind in his area.

This new violence has raised alarms about the security situation on the Mambilla Plateau. Previous communal conflicts in 2017 and 2018 led to a large loss of life and widespread property damage.

Besides restoring security, authorities and humanitarian groups now face the urgent task of providing emergency shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare to the displaced residents while ensuring they can return home safely.