Taraba communal violence displaces more than 1,000, leader says

More than 1,000 people have been displaced by communal violence in Geroji and neighbouring settlements in Mbamnga Ward of Sardauna Local Government Area, Taraba State, community leaders and local authorities said. The three-day conflict began on September 16 and reportedly destroyed more than 340 houses in Geroji and Mbara. Residents also reported the loss and rustling of livestock, including cattle and sheep.

Community leader Ardo Bashiru said food stocks and other livelihoods were destroyed, leaving families without shelter and basic necessities. He appealed to federal and state authorities, humanitarian organisations and development partners to provide emergency assistance. Some residents fled across the border into Cameroon, while others were displaced within the area.

The rainy season has worsened conditions for people without shelter. The exact number of casualties could not be independently established, although eyewitnesses and community leaders reported deaths and missing people, including an alleged State Security Service official. Sardauna council chairman Mohammed Umar said the crisis began after a confrontation between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man on a farm.

He said security personnel had been deployed and warned residents against actions that could undermine peaceful coexistence. Umar said arrangements had been made to repatriate residents who fled to Nyang in Cameroon’s Donga-Mantung Division. The chief of Mbamnga, Abubakar Saleh, called for calm and said traditional rulers and other stakeholders were working to prevent a recurrence.

Authorities and aid agencies now face the task of providing shelter, food, clothing and healthcare while creating conditions for safe returns.