The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has imposed a curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area to curtail the deadly, escalating communal crisis in the area.
For the fourth time in less than six months, the governor is imposing a curfew due to the ongoing conflict between the Chobo and Bachaman communities.
In a press statement issued on Sunday night, the Chief Press Secretary, Humeashi Wonosikou, said, “Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect.
“This follows renewed violent attacks and breach of peace in some communities within the area.”
The governor stated, “Government views these disturbances as unacceptable and has directed security agencies to enforce the curfew strictly.”
He warned that anyone or any group of people found contravening his directive would be arrested and dealt with according to the law.
“The curfew is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Governor Fintiri has also directed security agencies to enforce the curfew and maintain law and order in the area.”
Residents are urged to abide by the curfew and provide useful information to security agencies to ensure peaceful coexistence.
The governor emphasised that his government would not condone acts of violence and would take necessary measures to restore peace and order.
He appealed to residents of Lamurde LG to cooperate with security agencies to restore normalcy.
“The government is committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the statement added.
Earlier reports indicated that two people were killed before the press statement was issued.
Further investigation revealed that four more deaths were recorded after Bachaman youths mobilised to defend their people.
Sources in Lamurde disclosed that killings continued in Chobo villages as Bachaman youths invaded their area in retaliation.
On Sunday afternoon, the Adamawa State Police Command spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the deadly crisis and promised to update our correspondent on the number of casualties.
He was, however, yet to do so at the time of filing this report.
The protracted communal crisis between the Chobo and Bachaman communities has claimed over 30 lives, particularly women.
Governor Fintiri’s former deputy governor and the present deputy governor are both from the Bachaman ethnic group.
