The Munga Development Association (MUDA) has declared a three-day mourning period in honor of victims killed in recent deadly attacks by suspected herders in Taraba State.

 

The coordinated assaults, which struck Munga Lelau and Munga Dosso communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, resulted in widespread loss of life and destruction of property.

 

Announcing the mourning during a press conference in Jalingo on Saturday, MUDA National President, Shamah Ezra, described the attacks as “unprovoked” and “devastating.” He confirmed that over 40 people were killed, property worth millions of naira destroyed, and scores of residents displaced.

 

“The scale of destruction and the level of violence inflicted on our people is unimaginable,” Ezra said. “We have conducted mass burials for more than 40 victims, while many others remain missing.”

 

He added that homes, food stores, and valuable assets were set ablaze during the attack, which began on the afternoon of Friday, May 23, 2025.

 

Ezra also decried the lack of response from security forces, despite the presence of military and police units just 20 minutes away in nearby Karim town.

 

Refuting reports that the violence was a reprisal for an earlier attack by Munga Lelau youths on Fulani settlements, MUDA clarified that the conflict originated in Bandawa, where a Fulani herder allegedly killed a local farmer. In the aftermath, armed Fulani militias reportedly launched retaliatory attacks, killing seven residents of Munga Dosso and two from Munga Lelau in Ngurore Jabu.

 

The Association expressed concern that the deteriorating security situation in Karim-Lamido threatens not only the safety of local communities but also the region’s agricultural livelihood, particularly the Fadama dry season farming that attracts farmers from across northern Nigeria.

 

MUDA called on state and federal governments to urgently intervene and take decisive action to halt the violence. They urged authorities to ensure that peace and reconciliation reports are not ignored but implemented effectively to restore lasting peace.

 

“The principle of ‘live and let live’ must be upheld,” Ezra stressed. “Any agenda to displace indigenous communities and seize their lands must be resisted by all peace-loving Nigerians.”

 

The attackers, according to MUDA, were heavily armed men dressed in military camouflage and riding high-speed motorcycles, who operated without restraint.

 

While commending the prompt response of Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the association urged him to intensify legitimate efforts to secure justice and relief for the affected communities.