The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde following renewed violence linked to a lingering communal crisis in the area. The directive, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at restoring order and preventing further loss of lives and destruction of property after fresh clashes erupted between members of the Chobo and Bachama communities. The decision was announced late Sunday in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humeashi Wonosikou. According to the statement, the curfew became necessary due to a fresh breakdown of law and order in several communities within Lamurde Local Government Area.
“Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect,” the statement read. “This follows renewed violent attacks and breach of peace in some communities within the area.” The curfew marks the fourth time within six months that the state government has resorted to such restrictions in Lamurde in an attempt to control the persistent communal conflict. Authorities say the dispute between the Chobo and Bachama communities has repeatedly triggered violence, leading to casualties, displacement of residents and destruction of homes and farmlands.
While details of the most recent clashes are still emerging, local sources report that tensions escalated after a series of retaliatory attacks between members of the rival communities, raising fears of further escalation if urgent measures were not taken. Security agencies have been directed to strictly enforce the curfew and ensure that residents remain indoors until the situation is brought under control. The state government also warned that anyone found violating the curfew would face the full weight of the law. Officials say the curfew is intended to allow security forces to stabilise the area, prevent further clashes and create room for dialogue and peace-building efforts between the warring groups.
Governor Fintiri has previously emphasised that his administration will not tolerate acts capable of threatening peace and stability in the state. He has repeatedly called on community leaders, traditional rulers and youth groups to embrace peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence. Lamurde Local Government Area has experienced periodic communal tensions over the years, often linked to disputes over land, boundaries and local political influence. Community leaders and civil society groups have expressed concern that the repeated outbreaks of violence could undermine social cohesion and economic activities in the area if lasting solutions are not found.
Residents have therefore urged the government to complement security measures with reconciliation initiatives that will address the root causes of the conflict and foster long-term peace among the affected communities. As security operatives continue to patrol the area, authorities say further decisions regarding the curfew will depend on how quickly peace is restored in Lamurde and surrounding communities.
