A violent clash between communities in Taraba State has displaced more than 1,000 residents and destroyed 340 homes, according to reports from local leaders. The conflict, which erupted in Geroji and neighboring settlements in Mbamnga Ward of Sardauna Local Government Area, began on September 16 and lasted three days, forcing some families to flee across the border into Cameroon. Community leaders confirmed the destruction of livestock, food stocks, and livelihoods, leaving hundreds without shelter or basic necessities.
The Chairman of Sardauna Local Government, Mohammed Umar, attributed the violence to a confrontation between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man on a farm. He described the incident as
and stated that security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore peace. Umar urged residents to avoid actions that could destabilize the region and warned that those disrupting the peace would face legal consequences. He also announced plans to repatriate displaced families who crossed into Cameroon's Nyang area in the Donga-Mantung Division.
Ardo Bashiru, a community leader in Geroji, reported that over 340 houses in Geroji and Mbara were destroyed during the violence. He emphasized that the conflict had wiped out
tonnes of foodstuff and other means of livelihood,
exacerbating the plight of displaced families. Bashiru highlighted the worsening conditions caused by the rainy season, particularly for those without shelter, and called on federal and state governments, humanitarian organizations, and development partners to provide urgent assistance.
The affected settlements 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 located around Geroji. The Chief of Mbamnga, Abubakar Saleh, urged residents to preserve their longstanding communal ties, describing them as
He noted that traditional leaders and stakeholders were working to prevent future conflicts, calling the incident the first major violence of its kind in the area.
The conflict has reignited concerns about security on the Mambilla Plateau, where communal clashes in 2017 and 2018 caused significant loss of life and property. Authorities and humanitarian agencies now face the urgent task of providing emergency shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare to displaced residents while creating conditions for their safe return. The exact number of casualties remains unverified, though eyewitnesses reported the death of an SSS official during the violence.
Mohammed Umar reiterated the need for collaboration between governments, traditional institutions, and international partners to support resettlement, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts. He emphasized that the crisis underscored the importance of addressing underlying tensions to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
The situation highlights the fragility of peace in regions prone to ethnic and resource-based conflicts. As the rainy season intensifies, the humanitarian response will be critical in mitigating the suffering of affected families and restoring stability to the area.