Another Saturday, Another Funeral in Karim Lamido.

Just when residents of Karim Lamido thought they could breathe again, gunfire shattered the calm. Again.

Recall that on Friday, 23rd October 2026, armed men invaded Binnari community, looted shops, set homes ablaze and left families counting bodies. Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas has now condemned the killings and ordered security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators — no matter who they are.

It’s a story Taraba knows all too painfully well.

Forget the statistics for a moment. Think about Binnari’s market woman who stocked her shop on Thursday hoping for Friday sales, only to watch it burn. Think about the children who went for Juma’at and never returned home. Think about the families now sleeping in the bush because their homes are ash.

This is not just a security report. It’s displacement, hunger, trauma — again.

What Governor Kefas Actually Said?

In a statement issued by his media aide, Emmanuel Bello, Governor Agbu Kefas described the killings as unfortunate and gave a clear order:

"No effort should be spared in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators, regardless of their status or position. Everyone involved must be held accountable in accordance with the law".

Kefas directed all relevant security agencies to urgently restore calm, protect lives and property, and bring those responsible to justice. He sent condolences to bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives.

Why Karim Lamido Keeps Bleeding?

If this feels like déjà vu, it is. Karim Lamido has a long, complicated history of communal conflict dating back to 1996.

Data and historical patterns show three recurring triggers:

1. Chiefdom Creation Crisis: Between April and May 2023, a major crisis erupted between the Jenjo (Karimjo) and Wurkum people over a Third-Class Chiefdom created in the area. The installation of a Wurkum chief in Karim Lamido town was rejected by the Karimjo who claim ownership of the town.

2. Farmer-Herder Clashes: In July 2021, IOM recorded large-scale displacement after farmer-herder clashes in Jen community of Karim Lamido.

3. Leadership Tussles: Media sources documented at least 20 deaths in previous leadership tussles after a traditional ruler succeeded his father,r who had ruled for 47 years.

In January 2026, Kefas even declared Karim Lamido a “Special Area of Security Concern” via Executive Order No. 1 of 2026 to try to stabilise the council after years of recurring violence.

The state is also trying to fold vigilantes and hunters into a formal security framework under the Taraba Marshal and invest in drone stations.

Why it Matters?

Taraba is Nigeria’s Nature’s Gift to the Nation, but Karim Lamido has become its bleeding wound. Each attack does three things:

* Destroys food security: Attackers looted food stores — in a local agrarian economy, that means hunger for months.

* Fuels displacement: IOM data shows these clashes cause widespread displacement. Families who return rarely feel safe.

* Erodes trust: When killings happen on a Friday, after prayers, it tells communities nowhere is safe.

That ₦1 Billion Peace Fund

As part of broader peacebuilding, Governor Kefas recently approved ₦1 billion for the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management to address the aftermath of previous crises and support the safe return of displaced persons.

The governor said the fund is meant to rebuild confidence among residents affected by previous crises and restore lasting peace in Karim Lamido. He has consistently maintained that his administration is committed to tackling insecurity head-on.

What Next — Next Steps

1. Security Sweep: All eyes are now on the Taraba State Police Command and Operation Safe Taraba to see if the “manhunt” order translates into arrests. The police have already deployed operatives to contain the violence.

2. Casualty Audit: There is an urgent need to reconcile the figures — police say 10, locals say 30+. Families deserve a verified list.

3. Humanitarian Response: Displaced residents need food, shelter and psychosocial support — not just press statements.

4. Peace Fund Accountability: How will that ₦1 billion be spent? Residents will want to see town-hall dialogues, compensation for burnt homes, and traditional mediation between Karimjo and Wurkum, not just office overheads.

5. Early Warning: With the border with Plateau remaining porous, cross-border intelligence sharing is critical.

Governor Kefas has spoken tough. Now Binnari wants action.

Attribution to cbinewstv.com.

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