The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has imposed a 24‑hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect.

Reported By Mary Udezue | Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has imposed a 24‑hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect in a bid to curb a deadly and escalating communal crisis that has repeatedly erupted between rival communities in the region. The directive was announced late Sunday (March 8, 2026) in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humeashi Wonosikou, underscoring the government’s urgency to halt rising violence and restore public order.

Governor Fintiri stated in the official notice that the unrest was “unacceptable” and ordered security agencies to strictly enforce the curfew and maintain law and order He warned that individuals or groups violating the order would be arrested and prosecuted under the law. Residents of Lamurde are urged to cooperate fully with security operatives, remain indoors, and provide useful information to help de‑escalate the crisis and safeguard lives and property. The curfew will remain in place “until further notice.” The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the safety and well‑being of all citizens in the area.

The immediate trigger for the curfew was renewed violent attacks and breaches of peace that broke out over the weekend, linked to a deep-rooted communal dispute between the Chobo and Bachaman communities in Lamurde. According to the Adamawa State Police Command, clashes began on Saturday night when suspected Chobo youths allegedly entered Lamurde town firing sporadically, prompting Bachaman youths to mobilise in response. At least two people were feared killed, and several others may have been injured, though official casualty figures remain incomplete as security agencies compile updates.

This latest outbreak is part of a longer pattern of violent confrontations between the Chobo and Bachaman ethnic groups that have plagued Lamurde for months. In less than six months spanning late 2025 and early 2026, the conflict has claimed more than 30 lives, with many victims reportedly women, and has led to significant property destruction and displacement. Previous peace efforts, including a truce brokered by Governor Fintiri at the Government House in Yola, collapsed days after they were agreed, fueling further distrust and hostilities.

Background and Roots of the Conflict

The Chobo and Bachaman communities — both indigenous to Lamurde LGA — have historical ties of coexistence, but tensions have periodically erupted into violence over issues largely tied to land rights, resource control, and local governance. The immediate source of the recent clashes appears to be disputes over farmlands and contested territory, though longstanding grievances including marginalisation, leadership representation, and economic opportunities** have also been cited by community members.

Earlier incidents include deadly confrontations last year, when at least 10 people were killed and over 20 injured in clashes between the Tsobo (also known as Pirei) — largely associated with Chobo communities — and the Bachama of Rugange and Waduku. Hundreds of homes were burned, leaving many families homeless. A court had previously restrained parties from using disputed lands, but tensions continued to simmer, sometimes erupting into fresh violence despite government‑led interventions and curfews.

The conflict has drawn concern and condemnation from civic leaders and lawmakers within and beyond Adamawa State. Some political figures have appealed for calm, urging communities to remember their long history of peaceful co‑existence and to seek dialogue rather than violence. Others have demanded justice and accountability for attacks or excesses committed by armed actors on both sides.

Human Rights Concerns and Civilian Impact

Besides fatalities, there have been reports of serious human rights concerns, including violent confrontations involving security forces. In a widely reported incident late last year, organised protests by women in Lamurde against the crisis reportedly ended in tragedy when security personnel fired on unarmed demonstrators, killing several women and injuring others. Civil society organisations, including the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), condemned the incident, calling for investigations and accountability for alleged violations of rules of engagement by troops during internal security operations. The Nigerian Army later denied responsibility for the deaths, insisting that militia members were behind the killings.

The repeated cycles of violence have exacted a heavy toll on civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. Property destruction, displacement, and loss of livelihoods have compounded humanitarian needs in the affected communities. Many residents express fear and frustration, noting that periodic curfews, while necessary for security, also disrupt daily life, commerce, and access to essential services.

The imposition of the curfew marks the fourth time in less than six months that Governor Fintiri has resorted to restricting movements in Lamurde to manage communal clashes. Security forces — including heavily armed policemen — have been deployed to strategic points to quell unrest and prevent further escalation. Authorities maintain that the measures are temporary but vital to protecting lives and enforcing law and order.

While the immediate aim of the curfew is to stabilise the situation, lasting peace will likely require deeper engagement with community leaders, traditional institutions, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Analysts and civil society advocates have called for inclusive dialogue, equitable resource allocation, and institutional support to address the root causes of the disputes and to build sustainable peace. There are also calls for strengthened protections for human rights during security operations, as well as economic and social investments to alleviate the conditions that fuel inter‑community tensions.

As the curfew remains in place, residents of Lamurde and surrounding communities are asked to stay informed of government directives, prioritise safety, and assist security agencies where possible. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to monitor and respond to developments on the ground.

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