Gov Fintiri bans illegal mining in Lamurde over rising violence

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has announced an immediate ban on all illegal mining activities in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The governor imposed the ban to curb the violence that has plagued communities in the LGA over the past months and years.

Fintiri announced the ban on Tuesday at the Government House, Yola, while receiving the preliminary report of the mediation committee set up to resolve the prolonged conflict between the Bachama and Chobo communities in Lamurde LGA.

The governor warned that anyone found violating the ban or sponsoring violence in the area would face decisive action, adding that his administration would not tolerate any activity capable of threatening peace and security in any part of the state.

Fintiri further explained that the ban on illegal mining is part of broader efforts to address the root causes of the Bachama–Chobo conflict and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the situation for selfish purposes.

He assured the feuding communities that the recommendations of the mediation committee would receive prompt attention and that practical steps would be taken to ensure lasting peace.

Presenting the committee’s report, the Chairman of the Mediation Committee and paramount ruler of Joñjo Chiefdom, Robert Tankawa, said the committee conducted extensive consultations with the Bachama and Chobo communities and neighbouring settlements between June 17 and 27, following its inauguration on June 17.

Tankawa identified disputes over land ownership and the lack of inclusive traditional recognition as the major causes of the conflict, adding that it had been worsened by inflammatory comments on social media.

He, however, reported that hostilities had subsided at the flashpoints and that representatives of both communities had signed a Memorandum of Understanding as a demonstration of their commitment to peace.

Among the committee’s recommendations are the gradual relaxation of the curfew in Lamurde LGA, the immediate disarmament and demobilisation of armed groups, and the reconstruction of destroyed settlements.

The Bachama–Chobo (or Tchobo) conflict is a communal dispute over land and chieftaincy authority that has persisted for years, flaring up periodically and defying repeated reconciliation efforts.

Between December 2025 and January 2026, two fresh outbreaks of the conflict resulted in the loss of many lives and the extensive destruction of homes and other valuable assets.