At least seven people have been killed and over 340 houses burnt in a communal clash between Mambilla residents and Fulani pastoralists in Taraba State.
The violence broke out in Geroji settlements, Mbamnga ward, Sardauna Local Government Area, and left 186 livestock killed and more than 1,000 people displaced.
Residents said the death toll could be higher as dozens of persons are still missing.
According to community sources, the clash started on Wednesday , September 16, 2026, following a dispute between a Mambilla woman and a Fulani man on a farm. It later spread to Geroji and Mbara communities and nearby settlements including Wuro Buba, Wuro Ardo Bashiru, Wuro Wakili Idrisa, Wuro Saleh Petel, Wuro Hassan Jaji, Wuro Alhaji Jibo, Wuro Alhaji Manu and Wuro Mbarkal.
Community leader, Ardo Bashiru, said residents have lost everything.
“We have lost everything. Our houses were burnt, our livestock, cattle, sheep and horses were either dead or stolen. With the rainy season at its peak, we are facing a humanitarian crisis. We have no shelter, no food and no means of survival,” he said.
Another source said hundreds of residents, including women and children, fled across the border to Nyang in the Donga-Mantung Division of Cameroon, while others moved to neighbouring communities.
Chairman of Sardauna LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, confirmed the incident. He said security operatives have been deployed to the affected area and arrangements are underway to repatriate those who fled to Cameroon.
“This unfortunate incident started from a personal dispute that spiralled out of control. Anyone who threatens the peace that our communities have enjoyed for decades will face the full force of the law,” he said.
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