Communal Clashes in Lamurde: Gongola Peoples’ Forum Condemns Violence, Calls for Unity, Peace

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Gongola Peoples’ Forum (GPF) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent communal clashes between the Chobbo and Bwatiye communities in Lamurde Local Government Area (LGA), which resulted in loss of lives and the destruction of Waduku and Rigange villages.

In a press conference held yesterday, the GPF, led by Elder Maliki Daniel, 1st National Vice Chairman, expressed deep sorrow over the violence and urged the communities to embrace peace and unity to overcome longstanding challenges.

The violent clashes, which occurred between July 7 and July 11, 2025, shattered the longstanding cordial relationships between the Chobbo and Bwatiye communities, historically bound by intermarriages, religious, educational, family, and cultural ties. The conflict led to significant loss of life and the burning of two villages, prompting widespread concern across Adamawa State.

Addressing journalists, Elder Maliki Daniel, speaking on behalf of the GPF, expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and condemned the violence in the strongest terms.

“These clashes were uncalled for, and we condemn them unequivocally. Violence is not and can never be an acceptable method of conflict resolution among our people,” Daniel stated, emphasizing that peaceful dialogue is the only viable path to resolving disputes.

These clashes were uncalled for, and we condemn them unequivocally. Violence is not and can never be an acceptable method of conflict resolution among our people

The GPF reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering unity among the indigenous peoples of the Gongola Valley. The Forum denounced the use of force and called on all parties to forbear disagreements and pursue peaceful coexistence.

“Armed conflicts and violence must never be resorted to in our efforts to resolve our differences,” Daniel declared, urging the communities to channel their energies toward addressing shared challenges such as poverty and underdevelopment.

Armed conflicts and violence must never be resorted to in our efforts to resolve our differences

The GPF highlighted its mission, as outlined in its Charter, to dismantle divisive tactics and promote mutual respect and coexistence. “Our enemy is not our brother next door,” Daniel emphasized.

“Our true enemy is the force of domination that has rewarded our patience with poverty and underdevelopment for over a century and a half.” The Forum vowed to educate and unite the Gongola peoples to overcome these systemic challenges and turn their differences into a collective drive for progress.

On July 15, 2025, the GPF visited His Royal Majesty, Hama Bachama Daniel Ismaila Shaga, CON, at his palace in Numan to commiserate over the crisis and commend his efforts to restore peace.

Our true enemy is the force of domination that has rewarded our patience with poverty and underdevelopment for over a century and a half

The Forum expressed gratitude for the monarch’s commitment to de-escalating the volatile security situation and ensuring peaceful coexistence within the Bachama Chiefdom.

The GPF also praised the swift response of Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who imposed a curfew in Lamurde LGA and deployed security forces to prevent further escalation. “We are grateful to Governor Fintiri for his courage and commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order in the state,” Daniel said.

The GPF announced that its Committee on Peace and Conflict Resolution will actively mediate between the Chobbo and Bwatiye communities to address the root causes of the conflict.

The Forum plans to engage with the leadership of both communities’ sociocultural organizations to forge a permanent solution.

“We urge our members to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands and to shun violence,” Daniel stressed, reinforcing the GPF’s commitment to sustainable peacebuilding.

The GPF extended its appreciation to the media for amplifying its message of peace and unity. “Your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence in our communities are invaluable,” Daniel noted, underscoring the critical role of the press in fostering dialogue and understanding.

We urge our members to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands and to shun violence

In closing, the GPF reaffirmed its dedication to the unity and progress of the Gongola peoples.

“Together we can,” Daniel declared, echoing the Forum’s rallying cry for collective action. The press conference concluded with a call for all indigenous peoples of the Gongola Valley to reject violence, embrace mutual respect, and work toward a shared destiny of prosperity and freedom.