Over the past week, the peaceful Bwatiye communities of Rigangun and Waduku in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa State, have experienced devastating violence following a dispute that began over a small farmland boundary.
What initially appeared to be a minor misunderstanding has tragically escalated into an organised and violent attack. Armed individuals, identified as from the Tsobo (Piye) tribe, reportedly invaded the communities, resulting in the loss of over ten lives, the injury of more than twenty persons, and the displacement of hundreds of community members.
Eyewitnesses and survivors recount how homes, places of worship, and vehicles were set ablaze, while food supplies and properties were looted or destroyed, leaving many families without shelter or sustenance.
For generations, the Bwatiye and Tsobo (Piye) communities have lived side-by-side, sharing cultural bonds, mutual respect, and even family ties through intermarriage. In Rigangun alone, it is estimated that a significant portion of the population has familial roots in the Tsobo (Piye) tribe, and vice versa. It is therefore harrowing and confounding that such violence could erupt between people who have historically stood as brothers and neighbours.
This incident is not merely about land. The scale, coordination, and intensity of the attacks raise concerns about larger underlying agendas that must not be overlooked. The fabric of peace that has bound our communities is under threat, not from historical grievances, but from new forces that appear intent on sowing division and unrest.
We recognise that this crisis reflects deeper systemic issues, including longstanding neglect and leadership failures. Our communities have remained resilient despite these challenges, but this moment demands an immediate and decisive response from the authorities.
We therefore call on the Adamawa State Government, the Federal Government, and all relevant security and justice institutions to:
* Launch an independent and transparent investigation into the attacks.
* Ensure the protection of lives and property in the affected communities.
* Bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly and fairly.
* Provide relief and resettlement support to the displaced families.
* Facilitate peace dialogues that prioritise long-term harmony, truth, and reconciliation between the affected groups.
We urge all our people to remain calm, vigilant, and committed to the principles of peace and justice. Let us remember that conflict only destroys what generations have built, and that the future of our children depends on the choices we make today.
This is not a time for vengeance. It is a time for truth, accountability, and healing.