“We’re Being Wiped Out” — Taraba’s Bandawa Community Raises Alarm Over Deadly Attacks by Armed Herders

The Bandawa Community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has issued a desperate call for help, alleging a wave of deadly attacks and land invasions by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen. In a strongly worded petition sent to Governor Agbu Kefas, the community claims it is facing what they describe as a systematic attempt to eliminate their people.

Titled “Bandawa Community Bleeds: The Urgent Need for Government to Save the Bandawa Community of Karim-Lamido from Total Elimination”, the petition highlights escalating violence, targeted killings, and the destruction of farmlands that have left many dead and hundreds displaced.

Signed by Mathias Manyi Bandawa (President of the Bandawa Community Development Association) and Ishaya Peter Bandawa (President of the Youth Wing), the petition recounts a disturbing rise in hostilities since May 2025. A viral TikTok video, in which a Fulani youth reportedly threatened the community over baseless cattle rustling allegations, is believed to have further ignited tensions.

Despite peace efforts, including a police-led meeting on May 21, the Bandawa leaders say the Fulani community boycotted the talks, raising suspicions. Just two days later, the Munga Lelau settlement was attacked, resulting in multiple deaths and severe property damage.

“Since then, armed herders have been invading our homes, destroying crops, and attacking anyone who resists,” the petition noted.

The community cited a recent June 28 attack, where three residents—Timothy Ayuba, Monday Emmanuel, and Kawu Rabo—were killed while fishing and farming. The pattern of violence, they said, continues to spread fear and fuel displacement.

The Bandawa people also accused certain Fulani leaders from neighboring Gombe State of spreading false narratives to justify the attacks. They claim a legal petition filed by a local law firm is part of a broader attempt to criminalize Bandawa residents and even local police officers.

“Our people are peaceful and have always lived in harmony, but we are now being pushed to the edge,” the petition read. “We are too small in number to hide hundreds of cattle as alleged — these accusations are not just false, they are dangerous.”

The community is urgently calling on the Taraba State Government and security agencies to:

Arrest and investigate those inciting violence

Deploy security personnel for protection and surveillance

Ensure peace returns to the Bandawa area

They warned that continued silence in the face of these attacks would lead to more loss of life and the possible erasure of their community.

While pledging to remain peaceful and committed to the state's development, the Bandawa community stressed that urgent action is needed now — before it’s too late.