Yola Catholic diocese donates relief items to victims of Lamurde communal conflict
The Catholic Diocese of Yola, through its Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) in partnership with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), has distributed essential relief materials to sixty households affected by the recent communal conflict in Lafiya Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The flag-off ceremony took place at St. Paul Catholic Church, Lafiya Lamurde, and was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, alongside the JDPC Coordinator.
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Speaking during the distribution, Bishop Mamza said the support came through the collaboration between the JDPC and the international charity organization, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
“This humanitarian initiative aims to provide immediate support to displaced and affected families as a result of the communal clash between the Bachama and Chobo people,” Bishop Mamza explained.
“Crisis is never the answer. Many houses and properties have been destroyed, and that is why the Church carried out a needs assessment which identified sixty households as the most affected.”
He stressed that violence brings no lasting benefit, appealing to both communities to embrace peace and forgiveness.
“There is no gain in war,” the Bishop said. “I appeal to the Bachama and Chobo people to learn to live peacefully with one another, irrespective of tribal and religious differences. It is my prayer that such an incident will never occur again.”
Bishop Mamza further noted that the relief materials were meant to cushion the hardship faced by victims who lost their livelihoods to the conflict.
Bishop Mamza said the persistence of violence is a reminder that peacebuilding must be a collective effort.
“Peacebuilding is everyone’s responsibility. We must work together — communities, government, and faith groups — to end this cycle of hate and revenge,” he emphasized.
Items distributed included bags of rice, maize, gari, beans, sugar, seasoning cubes, cooking oil, and washing soap, among others.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Diocese and its partners for coming to their aid.
Mrs. Mercy James, one of the victims, said the assistance came at a critical time.
“The crisis destroyed everything we had. We lost our homes and means of survival. This support gives us hope again,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Daniel Asogwa, described the gesture as a lifeline.
“We are thankful to the Catholic Diocese of Yola and Aid to the Church in Need. They have shown us love when we needed it most,” he stated.
Lamurde Local Government has witnessed repeated cycles of violence, each wave leaving behind deeper scars. The latest clash between the Bachama and Chobo communities claimed lives, destroyed homes, and displaced hundreds.
Months after the incident, farmlands remain deserted, and many families still rely on food aid for survival.
The Adamawa State Government, meanwhile, says it is working with local leaders to restore peace and rebuild trust in the affected areas. Yet, for many in Lamurde, the fear of renewed violence still lingers — a sign that peace in the region remains fragile.
From displacement to hunger, the people of Lamurde continue to live with the painful aftermath of conflict. But as faith-based groups and communities reach across divides, there is renewed hope that humanity can still triumph over hate.
