A clash between two ethnic groups over kingship in Taraba State has claimed the lives of at least twenty people.
This development follows the coronation of the Wurkun Chiefdom’s traditional monarch.
According to sources, the ceremony, which was organized by Governor Darius Ishaku, was a choice that was not well received by other tribes.
Which led to houses, automobiles, and fields all being destroyed in the ensuing tragedy.
Prior to the conflicts, Governor Ishaku had said that the chiefdom was established to bring government closer to the people and to give the populace a sense of belonging.
He went on to say that the purpose was not to divide people along ethnic or religious lines.
This reminder, however, had little or no effect on the violence.
According to reports, some residents of Karim Lamido Local Government demonstrated their unequivocal rejection by burning tyres, which escalated into a full-fledged crisis, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and the destruction of property.
According to the Karimjo speaking tribe, the coronation was an injustice done to them because the kingship was intended to be given to someone of their ancestry rather than the Wurkun speaking tribe, who had governed for decades before the death of the past traditional ruler.
The Karimjo speaking tribe claimed to be the first inhabitants and genuine owners of Karim Lamido Local Council, adding that they only welcomed the Wurkuns as slaves, but that the enslaved later dominated and took over the land and monarchy.
The Karimjo added that the Wurkuns, who are educated and hold various posts in the armed services, directed the military and other sister agencies to brutalize, chase them from their lands, and set fire to their homes in the aftermath of the crisis.
The Wurkuns, on the other hand, maintain that the kingdom is theirs and that the crisis was caused by the Karimjo tribe’s desire to reign over them.
They denied any involvement in requesting military intervention.
While adding that they have requested that the feuding youths sheath their swords, the Wurkuns stated that if the karimjo-speaking tribe continues to assault their people, they will be obliged to retaliate.
Local government officials said the military and other security agencies have taken control of activity in the region in order for peace to return, despite the discovery of a grenade at the new chief’s palace.
As the attacks and counter-attacks continue, at least 300 people have been displaced as a result of the situation, and if this continues, rice production, which the area is famed for, will suffer greatly.
This is the area’s second crisis, with the first occurring in 1996 between the Karimjo speaking tribe and the Fulanis.
