A 24-hour curfew has been declared in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State following a surge in violent attacks by suspected armed militia groups. The council leadership issued the order after several people were killed and properties destroyed in coordinated assaults on Wurkum communities.
Attacks Trigger Mass Displacement
According to reports, the suspected militia groups have killed numerous individuals and forced many residents to flee their homes following attacks on communities including Didango, Mutum Daya Kodai, Gurum, and other neighbouring settlements. The security situation deteriorated sharply after fresh attacks occurred on Thursday and Friday, prompting the local government to take decisive action.
Curfew Enforcement and Investigation
The Local Government Chairperson, Mrs Virginia Baba Bambur, declared the curfew in the affected communities. She directed the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enforce strict compliance with the order.
Mrs Bambur stated that the curfew became necessary due to the worsening violence, continued attacks, and the loss of lives and property. She assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to uncover the root causes of the crisis. Those responsible for the attacks will be brought to justice, she added, emphasizing that efforts are ongoing to restore peace and stability in the affected areas.
Appeal for Calm Amid Communal Tensions
The council chairperson urged residents to remain calm despite the recurring communal clashes, bandit attacks, and ethnic tensions that have plagued the region. She called for cooperation with security agencies to ensure the curfew is effective in curbing further violence.
Similar Curfews in Other States
This development follows a similar measure in Kogi State, where a dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed across Yagba West Local Government Area. The Chairman of that council, Hon. Tosin Olokun, made the declaration in November 2025 to address bandit attacks. Additionally, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State recently imposed a statewide nighttime ban on commercial motorcycle operations, barring okada riders from operating between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. as part of a broader security crackdown.
The curfew in Taraba State comes amid heightened security concerns in the region, with bandit attacks and communal clashes continuing to threaten the safety of residents. Authorities are working to restore order and prevent further loss of life.
