The Bandawa Community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council of Taraba State, on Saturday issued a passionate appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas, calling for urgent government intervention to halt what they describe as an orchestrated attempt to wipe out their people by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.
In a petition titled “Bandawa Community Bleeds: The Urgent Need for Government to Save the Bandawa Community of Karim-Lamido from Total Elimination,” and made available to Daily Post, the community painted a grim picture of escalating violence, land invasion, and targeted killings which, according to them, have left several people dead and others displaced.
Jointly signed by the National President of the Bandawa Community Development Association, Mathias Manyi Bandawa, and the Youth Wing President, Ishaya Peter Bandawa, the duo chronicles a series of violent incidents allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen in the community, including the destruction of farmlands, open grazing on cultivated lands, and fatal attacks on community members.
According to the petition, tensions worsened in May 2025 after a viral video circulated on TikTok showing a Fulani youth issuing threats against the Bandawa people over what the community insists are baseless allegations of cattle rustling.
The community noted that a peace meeting held on May 21 at the instance of the Taraba State Commissioner of Police and attended by various ethnic groups in the area was boycotted by the Fulani community, a development they say raised alarm and deepened mistrust.
Despite assurances from the Taraba State leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) that no violence would ensue, the Bandawa community reported that just two days after the meeting, the nearby Munga Lelau settlement came under attack, resulting in multiple casualties and extensive property damage.
“Since then, armed herders have continued to brazenly invade our farmlands, graze on crops, enter homes, and unleash violence on anyone who dares resist,” the petition stated.
Citing a recent attack on June 28, the petition revealed that three residents, Timothy Ayuba, Monday Emmanuel, and Kawu Rabo, were killed while fishing and farming, further heightening fear and displacement in the area.
The community also accused some Fulani leaders, including individuals from neighbouring Gombe State, of fanning the flames of conflict through false accusations of cattle theft and efforts to criminalize Bandawa residents.
They specifically faulted a legal petition filed by a local law firm, describing it as an attempt to inflame ethnic divisions and falsely implicate their people and even some police officers.
“Our people are peace-loving and have lived harmoniously with others, but some Fulani elements appear determined to deny Bandawa any peace,” the petition read.
The community called on the state government and security agencies to arrest and investigate those allegedly behind the incitement and attacks, and to deploy more security personnel with sustained surveillance in the area.
“We are too small in number and lack the capacity to conceal hundreds of rustled cattle as alleged. These claims are not only false but dangerous,” the letter emphasized.
While pledging continued support for peace and development of the state, the Bandawa community warned that silence in the face of persistent violence could lead to further loss of lives and the destruction of their homeland.
