Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Fresh communal violence has erupted in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, leaving at least two people feared dead after renewed clashes between members of the Chobo and Bachama communities over a protracted land dispute that has repeatedly triggered deadly confrontations in the region.
The latest violence reportedly broke out in communities within Lamurde on Sunday, reigniting long-standing tensions linked to farmland ownership and territorial boundaries between the two ethnic groups. Local sources said the clash began after disputes resurfaced over access to contested farmland, prompting confrontations that escalated into violence.
According to reports from the area, youths from both communities mobilised and attacked rival settlements during the confrontation. The fighting led to the death of at least two people before security forces intervened to prevent further escalation.
The violence prompted the Adamawa State Government to take urgent action to restore order. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri imposed a 24-hour curfew across Lamurde Local Government Area following the clashes, directing security agencies to enforce the restrictions strictly in order to prevent further bloodshed.
Authorities said the curfew was necessary because the government viewed the disturbances as unacceptable and wanted to immediately halt the cycle of retaliation that has characterised the conflict in the area. Security forces including the police and military have reportedly been deployed to maintain order and deter additional attacks.
The Chobo and Bachama communities have a long and complex relationship shaped by shared geography and historical ties. Lamurde, which lies in northeastern Nigeria, is home to both ethnic groups who have traditionally lived in close proximity and often share markets, schools and social infrastructure.
Despite these connections, disputes over farmland ownership and traditional authority have periodically strained relations between the communities. Analysts say the current crisis can be traced to unresolved land claims that resurfaced in mid-2025 and gradually escalated into communal violence.
Reports indicate that the disputed farmland lies in areas where families from both ethnic groups claim ancestral ownership. In many cases, inheritance disputes between extended families evolved into larger ethnic tensions when members of the communities attempted to cultivate the contested land.
Previous clashes linked to the same dispute have resulted in deaths, destruction of homes and displacement of residents. In July 2025, at least ten people were reported killed and dozens injured during violent confrontations over farmland between the two communities, prompting the state government to impose a curfew at the time.
The conflict has also produced several other deadly incidents in recent months. During protests related to the crisis in December 2025, several women were killed and others injured in a chaotic confrontation involving militia groups and security forces, further deepening mistrust between the communities.
Efforts to end the violence have included multiple peace agreements brokered by government officials and traditional leaders. However, these accords have repeatedly collapsed as fresh disputes emerge over land boundaries and farming rights.
Observers say the failure of previous peace deals has allowed tensions to simmer beneath the surface, making the region vulnerable to sudden outbreaks of violence whenever disagreements over farmland arise.
Residents in Lamurde say the latest clashes have heightened fears among villagers who depend heavily on agriculture for survival. Many farmers have reportedly become reluctant to cultivate fields near disputed areas, fearing attacks from rival groups.
The insecurity has also disrupted economic activities in affected communities. Markets and transportation routes have been temporarily affected during periods of violence, while some residents have fled their homes to seek safety in neighbouring settlements.
Security agencies have warned that the continued cycle of reprisal attacks could lead to further casualties if lasting peace measures are not implemented. Officials say intelligence operations are ongoing to identify individuals responsible for inciting violence and to prevent further mobilization of armed youths.
Stone Reporters note that communal conflicts driven by land ownership disputes remain a persistent security challenge in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where land is closely tied to identity, livelihood and traditional authority.
Experts argue that resolving such disputes requires long-term solutions that go beyond emergency security responses. Clear land demarcation, legal adjudication of ownership claims and sustained dialogue between community leaders are often necessary to prevent recurring violence.
For residents of the Chobo and Bachama communities, however, the immediate concern remains restoring calm after the latest deadly confrontation. With the curfew now in place and security forces deployed, local leaders are urging youths from both communities to avoid further violence and allow mediation efforts to take place.
As authorities attempt to stabilize the situation, the renewed crisis serves as another reminder of how unresolved land disputes can quickly escalate into deadly communal conflicts, leaving communities divided and families mourning their dead.
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