RismadarVoice Reporters
September 19, 2026
More than 500 Nigerians have fled across the border into Cameroon following deadly violence in Mbamnga community, Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Community leaders said about 502 displaced people, mostly women and children from Wuro Geroji and surrounding areas, had been registered in Cameroonian border communities, including Ntong, Fa’am Mfe, Nwa and Yang, as of Friday.
Several people were reported killed in the violence, including security personnel, although authorities had yet to announce a comprehensive official casualty figure.
Local accounts said tensions escalated following a fatal confrontation between a cattle herder and a farmer last Saturday. The dispute subsequently developed into wider violence, during which homes were attacked and livestock killed.
An elderly woman identified as Hajja Mbamnga and her son, Shuaibu Bammi, were among those reported killed.
24-HOUR CURFEW IMPOSED
Authorities in Sardauna Local Government Area have imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mbamnga as security agencies move to restore order and prevent further violence.
Security personnel have also been deployed to affected areas, while concerns are growing over the welfare of residents who crossed into Cameroon.
The lawmaker representing Mbamnga State Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Abel Diah, called for adequate security deployment and a thorough investigation into the violence.
Diah said authorities should establish what triggered the crisis, identify those responsible based on credible evidence and ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with according to law.
HISTORY OF COMMUNAL VIOLENCE
The latest violence has renewed concerns over security on the Mambilla Plateau, which has experienced previous deadly disputes involving farming and pastoral communities.
Major violence erupted in the area in 2017, followed by further clashes in 2018 that displaced residents within Nigeria and across the border into Cameroon.
Land disputes, access to resources and relations between farming and pastoral communities have previously contributed to tensions in the region.
Authorities have yet to provide a final casualty figure from the latest violence or announce when displaced residents will be able to safely return to their communities.
