Residents of Munga Dosso, a community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, have called on the state government to strictly implement the anti-open grazing law as a solution to the recurring clashes between herders and farmers.
The appeal comes in the wake of recent attacks in the area, where several residents were reportedly killed and property destroyed by suspected herders. Speaking to journalists in Jalingo, the community’s youth leader, Robert Bukar, expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of the crisis.
Bukar emphasized that although the anti-open grazing law was passed in 2018 under the administration of former Governor Darius Ishaku, enforcement has remained weak, allowing tensions between herders and farmers to persist.
“The law is in place, but without enforcement, it means nothing,” Bukar said. “The recent violence that claimed 12 lives and led to a mass burial in our community could have been prevented.”
He lamented that despite the scale of the tragedy, no government official from the federal, state, or local level visited the affected area to show solidarity or support.
“We have representatives at every level Senate, House of Representatives, State Assembly but not one of them came to condole with us. Our people feel abandoned,” he stated.
Although relief materials were sent to victims, Bukar argued that what the community needed most was action, not donations.
“We appreciate the relief items, but what we need is justice, security, and accountability. The trauma left behind cannot be healed with food packs,” he added.
He revealed that while some armed herders were recently apprehended by police with assault rifles, they were allegedly released shortly afterward, a move that has deepened local frustrations.
The community is also grappling with displacement and a growing humanitarian crisis. Many families are unable to access their farms due to insecurity, worsening food shortages and economic instability.
Bukar urged the state government to deploy additional security personnel to the area to ensure the safe return of displaced farmers. He also appealed for a thorough investigation by the recently established administrative committee of enquiry.
“We hope the committee will do more than just file reports. We need arrests, prosecutions, and lasting solutions,” he said.
As tensions continue to rise, Munga Dosso residents are demanding not only protection but also meaningful action from leaders sworn to represent and safeguard them.
