In a decisive move to stem escalating tensions, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Lamurde Local Government Area with immediate effect, following renewed violent attacks that have rocked communities in the area.
The governor’s directive, announced on Monday through a statement issued in Yola by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, comes barely two months after a similar restriction was placed on the area in December 2025. The development signals a worrying resurgence of communal hostilities that have historically plagued parts of the state.
Fresh Violence Erupts in Bachama Communities
According to official sources, the latest round of violence erupted in several communities within Lamurde LGA, with early reports indicating that lives have been lost and property destroyed. The affected areas, predominantly inhabited by the Bachama ethnic group, have witnessed recurring cycles of conflict that often stem from longstanding communal disputes.
The December 2025 curfew, which was imposed on 8 December following what the government then described as a “fresh eruption of communal hostilities,” had brought a measure of calm to the area. However, Monday’s announcement suggests that underlying tensions have once again boiled over, necessitating urgent executive intervention.
Government’s Firm Stance on Law and Order
In the statement announcing the curfew, Governor Fintiri directed security agencies to enforce the restriction with immediate effect and without exception. The governor described the renewed disturbances as completely unacceptable, emphasising that his administration would not tolerate any actions capable of disrupting the relative peace that other parts of the state currently enjoy.
“Anyone or group found violating this directive will be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law,” Wonosikou quoted the governor as saying, underscoring the administration’s resolve to hold perpetrators of violence accountable regardless of their standing in society.
The 24-hour curfew means that all movement within Lamurde LGA is prohibited throughout the day and night until further notice. Residents are required to remain indoors except for those on essential duties who have been specifically exempted by security authorities.
Security Agencies Directed to Maintain Vigilance
Governor Fintiri has charged security personnel deployed to the area to maintain law and order while ensuring that the enforcement of the curfew does not unduly burden law-abiding citizens. The directive specifically instructs security agencies to be firm but professional in their approach, balancing the need for strict compliance with respect for fundamental human rights.
The statement further revealed that the governor has instructed security chiefs to intensify patrols within and around the affected communities to prevent further escalation. Additional deployments are expected to be made to vulnerable areas to reassure residents and deter potential troublemakers.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
While taking a hard line against perpetrators of violence, Governor Fintiri also extended an appeal to the general populace of Lamurde LGA to cooperate fully with security agencies during this challenging period. He urged community leaders, elders, and youth groups to use their influence to counsel restraint and discourage actions that could exacerbate the situation.
The governor called on residents to provide useful information to security agencies that could help identify those behind the attacks. He stressed that sustainable peace could only be achieved through collective effort and urged community members to see themselves as stakeholders in the peace process rather than passive observers.
“Government will not condone acts of violence and will take necessary measures to restore peace and order,” the statement read, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all citizens regardless of their ethnic or community affiliations.
Historical Context of Communal Tensions
Lamurde Local Government Area has, over the years, experienced periodic outbreaks of communal violence, often revolving around land disputes, chieftaincy matters, or perceived marginalisation. The Bachama, who are predominant in the area, have occasionally found themselves at odds with neighbouring communities over resources and traditional authority.
The December 2025 curfew, which lasted several days, was imposed following attacks that targeted Bachama communities. While calm was eventually restored through the combined efforts of security agencies and community stakeholders, Monday’s events suggest that the underlying grievances remain unresolved.
Government’s Broader Peace Initiatives
Monday’s curfew imposition comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Adamawa State Government to address the root causes of communal conflicts across the state. Governor Fintiri has, since assuming office, prioritised peace-building initiatives and has consistently engaged with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth organisations to promote dialogue over confrontation.
The administration has also invested in security infrastructure and supported community policing initiatives aimed at detecting and neutralising threats before they escalate into full-blown crises. However, Monday’s events highlight the challenges that state governments face in managing deeply entrenched communal rivalries that often span generations.
Implications for Residents and Economic Activities
The imposition of a 24-hour curfew is expected to significantly disrupt economic and social activities in Lamurde LGA. Markets, schools, and businesses will remain closed for the duration of the restriction, with only essential services such as hospitals and emergency response units permitted to operate.
Residents who depend on daily income for their livelihoods are likely to bear the brunt of the restriction, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications of prolonged curfews. The government has not indicated how long the curfew will last, stating only that it will remain in place “until further notice” when security assessments deem it safe to relax or lift the restriction.
Calls for Lasting Solutions
As the situation develops, there are growing calls from civil society organisations and community stakeholders for the government to go beyond temporary measures and address the fundamental issues driving conflict in the area. Many argue that without meaningful dialogue and structural interventions, cycles of violence and curfews will continue to recur with predictable regularity.
The governor’s appeal for information from residents may signal a shift towards more intelligence-driven approaches to conflict prevention, but observers note that lasting peace will require sustained engagement with community structures and investments in conflict resolution mechanisms.
Conclusion
As Lamurde LGA enters another period of lockdown, the Adamawa State Government faces the dual challenge of containing the immediate security threat while working towards durable peace. Governor Fintiri’s decisive action demonstrates his administration’s commitment to maintaining order, but the recurring nature of these crises suggests that more comprehensive strategies are needed.
Residents are advised to comply strictly with the curfew directives and to remain calm as security agencies work to restore normalcy. Updates on the situation will be provided as events unfold, with the government expected to review the curfew based on security assessments in the coming days.
For now, all eyes remain on Lamurde as stakeholders await the restoration of peace and the lifting of restrictions that have once again disrupted life in this troubled but resilient community.
