*Seeks sustained govt, security agencies intervention to check escalation
The people of Munga Dosso community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State have broken their silence of what they said has been decades of suspected Fulani herdsmen attacks, saying they have been enduring it in silence even though it has caused them huge losses.
The community said their desire to speak up now followed last month’s killing of eight of their youths, and the emerging threat on their community.
Speaking at a world press conference in Jalingo yesterday, the Acting Secretary of the community, Bukar Robert, said Munga Dosso community is known for its peaceful, loving, and accommodating nature, and they don’t want their accommodating nature to be abused and made to threaten them.
“Our primary occupations include crop farming, cattle rearing, and craftsmanship. The community is predominantly Christians and lovers of peace and we coexisted with neighboring communities and Fulani herders for decades.
“The Fulani herders have historically had conflicts with nearly every tribe in Taraba State and across Nigeria. Despite past incidents where our farmers were killed, we’ve chosen to pursue peace and continue living alongside with them.
“There have been several Guerilla tactics employed by Fulani herders over the years this including. There is the brutal killing of Mr. Jonah Taimam on 11th February 1991, while working on his farm and that of Mr. Francis Daura on 27th May 1997 who was also violently killed on his farm beyond recognition.
“Mr. Boniface Shamaki was on 1st June 1997 also ambushed and killed. On the same day, Abba Yakubu was shot in his hand which left the hand paralyzed to this day same with shagari salihu loss his left hand too and Mr. Joshua Masaibi was heartlessly beaten with injuries that led to his death. While Danfulani Akila on 25th July 2021 was brutally killed on his farm.
“And there is the most recent attack on May 12th, 2025 that claimed the lives of eight young people whom some were coming from their farms and the other one was coming from school. They were shot and butchered them, while 12 others sustained different degree of injuries.
“But the annoying part always is that whenever our people are killed, it is the us (our people) that would be arrested, taken to police station , then to prison. But none of the perpetrators are ever brought to justice.
“In the recent crisis, the Fulani perpetrators were arrested with sophisticated rifles and taken to Karim Lamido police station but were released the next day to our amazement.
“Again, no government representatives from federal, state, or local levels that has visited the community after this incident,” he said.
He further stated that local leaders, supported by national and international stakeholders, must prioritize initiatives that foster understanding and collaboration.
“As the world watches, it is imperative to recognize this conflict not only as a localized issue but as a broader reflection of the challenges facing many communities in the region.
“Addressing the root causes of the crisis, promoting peaceful coexistence, and ensuring equitable access to resources are critical steps toward healing these communities and preventing further loss of life,” he added.
Earlier, members of the community spoke to newsmen during their (newsmen) visit to the community, saying that they are living in fear and dismay.
The however expressed their resolve to maintain their land while pursuing peace and prosperity and also seeking justice.
Among those who spoke are the Youth Leader, Simon Lawal Shawulu, representative of the Village Head, Emmanuel Lawal, honourable Sabo James Ezra (elder), Mr Wakili B. Jauro (elder) and Lanar Joseph (women representative)