SHDML CEO, Myenguron Cries Genocide: Seeks Probe into Alleged Annihilation of Bachama, Tchobo Tribes

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a fervent call for justice, Wilson J. Myenguron, CEO of Sahel Hospitality Development & Management Limited, has labeled the ongoing conflicts between the Bachama and Tchobo tribes in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, as a “genocide” and a “conspiracy to finish the people.”

In a press statement issued on Monday, July 14, 2025, Myenguron urged the immediate establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the escalating violence, which he claims threatens the survival of these ethnic groups.

The conflicts, centered in Lamurde, have reportedly led to significant loss of life, widespread destruction of property, and the displacement of countless residents. Myenguron’s statement highlights the urgent need for a thorough investigation to uncover the root causes of the violence, identify perpetrators, and deliver justice to the affected communities.

“This is a genocide, a conspiracy to finish the people,” he declared, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action.

This is a genocide, a conspiracy to finish the people

Myenguron’s appeal outlines a detailed framework for the proposed judicial panel, which he believes will address the crisis and pave the way for lasting peace. The panel’s terms of reference include conducting on-the-spot inspections of affected areas, documenting lives lost, identifying victims, assessing property damage, and gathering evidence through testimonies.

The panel would also be tasked with recommending sanctions for perpetrators and proposing measures to foster peaceful coexistence between the Bachama and Tchobo communities.

To ensure impartiality and credibility, Myenguron recommends that the panel be chaired by a retired judge or legal expert and include representatives from local government, community leaders from both tribes, civil society organizations, security agencies, and human rights groups.

“We are seeking the setting up of a judicial panel of inquiry to be established, trusting we will get justice,” Myenguron stated.

Beyond the investigation, Myenguron called for immediate humanitarian support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the conflict. He urged authorities to provide relief materials, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care, to alleviate the suffering of displaced families.

We are seeking the setting up of a judicial panel of inquiry to be established, trusting we will get justice

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue and reconciliation to rebuild trust between the Bachama and Tchobo communities.

The CEO also advocated for sanctions against those responsible for the violence and compensation for victims, underscoring the need for accountability to deter further aggression. “Sanction perpetrators and provide compensation to victims,” he urged, highlighting the dual need for justice and restoration.

While specific details of the conflict’s origins remain unclear, the violence between the Bachama and Tchobo tribes is part of a broader pattern of intercommunal clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, often driven by disputes over land, resources, or ethnic tensions.

Sanction perpetrators and provide compensation to victims

Lamurde, located in Adamawa State, is home to diverse ethnic groups, and tensions between the Bachama and Tchobo have periodically flared, resulting in devastating consequences for local communities.

Myenguron’s use of the term “genocide” has sparked debate, as it implies a deliberate and systematic attempt to eradicate one or both groups. His call for a judicial probe aims to clarify whether the violence constitutes targeted annihilation or stems from other underlying factors. The involvement of security agencies and human rights organizations in the proposed panel underscores the need for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

Local leaders and residents of Lamurde have expressed mixed reactions to Myenguron’s statement. Some community members welcomed the call for a judicial inquiry, hoping it would bring clarity and resolution to the crisis. Others, however, expressed skepticism, citing previous investigations in similar conflicts that yielded little tangible change.

As of now, no official response has been issued by the Adamawa State government or federal authorities regarding Myenguron’s proposal. However, the gravity of the allegations and the proposed framework for the panel may pressure authorities to act swiftly to address the crisis.

Wilson J. Myenguron, a prominent figure in Adamawa’s business community, has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for peace in the region. His company, Sahel Hospitality Development & Management Limited, based in Numan, Adamawa State, operates in an area directly affected by the conflict, giving his plea a personal and urgent tone.

By issuing this statement, Myenguron seeks to amplify the voices of the Bachama and Tchobo communities, whose suffering has largely gone unnoticed beyond the region.

As the crisis in Lamurde continues to unfold, Myenguron’s call for a judicial panel of inquiry represents a critical step toward addressing the root causes of the violence and ensuring accountability. Whether his recommendations will be heeded remains uncertain, but the urgency of his message is undeniable. For the people of Lamurde, the hope for peace and justice now rests on the response of authorities and the collective will to end the cycle of violence.