The Nigerian Senate has urged security agencies to immediately strengthen their presence along the border communities of Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi states following deadly clashes between farmers and herders that claimed dozens of lives.

The call came during a plenary session after Senator Isa Shuaibu Lau (Taraba North) raised a motion of urgent national importance regarding violent clashes that erupted in Munga Lelau and Maigami villages in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

According to reports presented at the session, the violence, which began on Friday, May 23, 2025, continued throughout the weekend, resulting in between 60 to 70 fatalities. Additionally, 47 houses were razed, and over 200 residents were displaced from their homes.

Security Concerns in Border Communities

The Senate characterized the violence as part of a series of connected reprisals and escalations between farming and herding communities in the region. Most affected residents have fled to makeshift camps in surrounding areas of Karim Lamido and Lau, further straining already limited resources in these communities.

Local lawmakers expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in Karim Lamido, which shares borders with Plateau and Bauchi states. They argued that inadequate security presence has allowed bandits to use the area as a launching pad for criminal activities across the region.

Senator Lau warned that these continued attacks are not only causing loss of lives but also crippling local economies, displacing communities, and threatening regional stability.

Senate Resolutions

As part of its resolutions, the Senate called for security agencies to scale up their surveillance and operational capacities in the affected areas. They also recommended the establishment of additional security posts and camps along the borders of the three states to prevent further violence.

Furthermore, the Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide immediate humanitarian relief and essential materials to those affected by the violence.

The Senate's intervention comes amid reports that Governor Kefas of Taraba State was absent during mass burial ceremonies held for victims of the attack, raising questions about the state government's response to the crisis.

This latest incident adds to the growing concerns about insecurity in Nigeria's northern states, where competition for land and resources between farming and herding communities has frequently led to deadly confrontations.