A Political figure and community leader, in Adamawa state, Chief Maurice Vunobolki, has condemned the latest wave of attacks in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Describing the killings as tragic, senseless and a major setback to peace efforts in the area.
His reaction followed Thursday’s renewed attacks on Kwah and Gyakan communities, where at over 10 people were reported killed and hundreds of houses razed in an escalation of the lingering communal conflict between Bachama and Chobo groups in the area.
In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, Vunobolki said he received news of the attacks “with profound grief and deep sorrow,” lamenting the continued bloodshed among neighbouring communities with long-standing historical ties.
He said the destruction of lives and property was a painful reminder of the consequences of unresolved communal hostility and repeated reprisals.
“This senseless bloodletting and destruction must stop. Our communities cannot continue to lose innocent lives in conflicts that offer no benefit to anyone,” he said.
Vunobolki expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks and sympathised with residents displaced after hundreds of homes were set ablaze.
He also extended his condolences to the state government, the Hama Bachama and community leaders in the affected communities, noting that the emotional and economic trauma inflicted on survivors would take time to heal.
He appealed to all parties involved in the conflict to embrace peace.
According to him, the Bachama and Chobo people share common geography, culture, economic interests and a collective future that should not be destroyed by recurring violence. Stressing that conflict has never brought development, but has instead deepened mistrust, damaged livelihoods and pushed communities further into poverty.
The Lamurde crisis has remained a source of concern in Adamawa State in recent months, with repeated incidents despite security interventions and earlier arrests linked to communal unrest.
Vunobolki called on elders, youth leaders, women groups, religious figures and other stakeholders in the area to rise above ethnic sentiments and commit themselves to reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
The future of Lamurde cannot be built on ashes and graves. Peace remains the only path forward,” he added.
He further urged security agencies not only to restore calm but to ensure that those responsible for the latest killings are tracked down and prosecuted.
The renewed violence in Lamurde comes amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Adamawa and other northern states, where communities continue to face attacks, displacement and loss of livelihoods.