Concerned that recent events in Mbamnga, Sardauna Local Government Area, including restrictions on farming and reports of house burnings, could derail attempts to bring peace to the community, the Lemil Development Union (LDU) has pleaded with Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to step in immediately.
Despite attempts to restore normalcy following the previous turmoil in the area, the union raised worry in a letter dated October 13, 2026, about reports of buildings being destroyed in outlying towns, especially Roh, as recently as October 12.
The union expressed new worries regarding the safety of inhabitants, the security of property, and the durability of the fragile peace in Mbamnga in a letter sent to Kefas through Gebon Timothy Kataps Ngwii, the Secretary to the State Government.
Dr. Jeff I. Mashi, president of the union, and Jimmy S. Kella, secretary, signed a letter that recognised the government’s peacebuilding initiatives but cautioned that ongoing instability could undo the gains achieved in re-establishing calm.
There have been instances of people getting hurt while travelling to their farms, and the LDU is worried that inhabitants will be unable to access their land.
The union expressed its dismay at how the restrictions are making life even more difficult for the mostly agricultural community’s members, who rely on farming for their livelihood, food supply, and family support.
Food hunger, livelihoods, and the local economy might all take a hit if farmers are unable to harvest their crops this year, the report warned.
The union expressed concern that the current situation could jeopardise the fragile peace in the area due to the combination of reports of home burnings, challenges in accessing farmlands, and uncertainty regarding inhabitants’ safety.
According to the union, “peace must not only be declared; it must be felt in the daily lives of the people.” They emphasised that peaceful cohabitation should be demonstrated through the security of homes, the preservation of property, and the ability to pursue lawful means of subsistence.
Prior to the situation escalating, the LDU made it clear that their request was not meant to assign blame, exacerbate tensions, or undermine the work of the government and security forces. Rather, they want to encourage impartial and prompt involvement.
It urged the state government to have the proper security agencies look into the reports of home fires in Roh and other impacted communities and respond accordingly.
Additionally, the union requested that the government take measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups, preventing violence, intimidation, and property destruction.
The LDU has called for a reevaluation of current security measures and the creation of workable plans to let farmers securely enter their fields and harvest their crops, after conducting any required security assessments.
Additionally, it emphasised the importance of conducting security operations in a professional and unbiased manner, following all applicable laws. It emphasised the need to pay special attention to reports of damage or abuse concerning authorised activities carried out by citizens.
In order to gather information, resolve complaints, and devise strategies to avoid such occurrences, the union has also called for a hastily convened conference of relevant parties, including security agencies, traditional leaders, community representatives, and others.
Furthermore, it strongly recommended that the government set up a system of ongoing surveillance to detect new dangers and stop the situation from spiralling into fresh fighting.
The LDU pleaded with the state administration to safeguard all law-abiding citizens without bias, stating that prompt action would alleviate additional human misery, property damage, relocation, and economic consequences.