The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army Command has confirmed the killing of its two soldiers in a renewed clash between herders and farmers in Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba State Wednesday.
Lieutenant Umar Mohammad, the acting spokesperson of the Brigade command, made this known while speaking with our correspondent on the phone, stating that the two soldiers were killed in a crossfire during the clash between farmers and herders from Karim-Lamido.
“We are yet to issue an official statement over the development,” Mohamed stated.
The renewed attacks erupted in the early hours of Wednesday. It is the latest in a wave of violent confrontations that have continued to unsettle rural communities across the state.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with our correspondent said, the soldiers were deployed to the area as part of a peacekeeping effort but were fatally caught in the crossfire between the opposing groups.
Read also: Four killed, others injured as suspected herders attack community in Taraba
“The fighting started early in the morning and escalated rapidly. In the process of trying to intervene, two soldiers lost their lives,” said a local community leader.
The renewed violence has triggered panic across the area, with many residents fleeing their homes in fear. Several farmlands and houses were reportedly set ablaze during the confrontation.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Taraba State Police Command, James Leshen, said security personnel have been dispatched to the area to restore order.
“Security agencies have been mobilised to the community to contain the situation and prevent further loss of lives,” Leshen stated, adding that a full assessment of casualties was ongoing.
Reacting to the incident, Musa Garba, a youth leader in Karim-Lamido, described the soldiers’ deaths as “a tragic reminder of the need for stronger government action.”
“Our people are tired of running from their ancestral homes. We need a lasting solution to these senseless killings,” he said.
