Fintiri Warns of Government Land Seizure Over Deadly Communal Clashes in Adamawa

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has issued a stern warning that his administration may move to confiscate any disputed lands that are linked to violent community conflicts. The governor made the declaration during a visit to Lamurde Local Government Area, where tensions recently erupted into deadly clashes between neighbouring communities over a contested piece of farmland.

According to iReporter Online, the clashes began on July 5 and lasted several days, resulting in multiple fatalities, destruction of property, and widespread displacement of residents.

Accompanied by senior government officials and security commanders, Fintiri visited the affected communities of Waduku, Lakan, and Rugange, condemning the violence and urging residents to embrace peace.

“The government will not stand by while violence festers over land disputes. If this continues, we may be forced to take over the contested lands in the interest of peace and order,” the governor warned.

He stressed that communities must respect boundaries and desist from encroaching on land that does not belong to them, stating unequivocally that the government will not allow bloodshed to be fueled by territorial disagreements.

Fintiri assured affected residents that security measures would be heightened to restore calm and protect lives. “You deserve to farm, trade, and go about your lives without fear. We will do whatever it takes to bring peace back to your communities,” he affirmed.

During the governor’s tour, emotions ran high as community leaders from both sides expressed their grief and frustration.

In Waduku, Mr. Danladi Kotohula of the Bachama community blamed the crisis on delayed police intervention, noting that early action could have prevented the escalation. “The police failed to act swiftly, and it cost us lives and homes,” he said.

In Lakan, Mr. Hygimus Mangu of the Chobo community mourned the breakdown of inter-community harmony, lamenting the loss of decades-long peaceful coexistence. “We used to marry from each other’s communities. We must find a way to rebuild that peace,” he said.

Several community representatives echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing a collective yearning for reconciliation and justice.