Adamawa communal crisis: Finitri ban illegal mining in Lamurade

In an effort to find a lasting solution to the ongoing communal clashes between the Bachama and Chibok communities in the Lamurade local government area of Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has announced an immediate ban on all mining activities in the region.

The governor made this announcement today, Tuesday, following the review of a preliminary report from the mediation committee tasked with resolving the prolonged crisis between the two communities, during a meeting at the Government House in Yola.

Governor Fintiri emphasised that anyone found violating this directive or inciting violence in the area will face strong government action. He stressed that his administration will not tolerate any activities that could undermine peace and security in Adamawa.

Stressing that “all those directly or indirectly fueling the conflict would be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law”.

The ban on illegal mining forms part of broader efforts to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the situation for personal gain.

The state government has assured residents that it will continue to collaborate with security agencies and community leaders to restore normalcy and promote peaceful coexistence. He urged everyone involved to put aside their differences and support the government’s efforts to achieve peace.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Mediation Committee and Paramount Ruler of Joñjo Chiefdom, Dr. Robert David Tankawa, announced that the committee conducted extensive consultations with the Bachama and Chobo communities, as well as neighboring settlements, between June 17 and June 27, following its inauguration.

Tankawa stated that the committee identified several key issues contributing to the conflict: disputes over land ownership, competition for natural resources, and the lack of inclusive traditional recognition. He also noted that the situation was exacerbated by inflammatory comments on social media and the spread of illegal firearms.

“The committee found no evidence directly linking any individual to the violence”

But stated youths are the main perpetrators, and the silence of some community elders contributed to the persistence of the conflict.

Noting that hostilities has reduced across all identified flashpoints.

The committee recommended that there should be gradual relaxation of the curfew, immediate disarmament and demobilisation of armed groups, reconciliation among the affected communities, and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of destroyed settlements.

The conflict between the Bachama and Chobo communities has claimed several lives, destroyed properties worth millions of naira.