In a recent development, the Taraba State Police Command has confirmed the death of 16 people resulting from a chieftaincy tussle between the Karimjo and Wurkum ethnic groups. This dispute took place in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Usman Abdullahi, confirmed the death toll to Daily Trust on Tuesday. He further assured that normalcy had been restored to the area. Abdullahi also mentioned that the state police commissioner had visited Karim-Lamido town to assess the situation.
The violence was triggered when the newly appointed chief of the Wurkum chiefdom, who had received his staff of office from Governor Darius Ishaku five days prior, entered the town with his entourage. This caused an uproar among the Karimjo ethnic group, who claim ownership of Karim-Lamido town. They protested against the installation of the new chief, who is of the Wurkum tribe.
The peaceful protest quickly escalated into a bloody conflict, leading to the death of several people and the destruction of hundreds of houses, farm produce, and other property worth millions of naira.
The incident has also led to mass displacement, with thousands of people, including women and children, fleeing the area. They are now seeking refuge in nearby towns including Lau, Jalingo, Jen, and Bambur.
