Taraba Governor Kefas desperate to ensure security, convenes enlarged security meeting

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By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo

In a desperate move to provide lasting security architecture, Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas has inaugurated a Committee of inquiry to investigate the root cause of the Karim Lamido crisis that claimed several lives and properties as well as a Steering Committee for the Taraba Initiative for Farmlands and Forest Occupation, (TIFFO).

Inaugurating the Committees on Tuesday June 24th, 2025 at the Banquette hall TY Danjuma house Jalingo Dr. Kefas said the Commission of inquiry into the Karim Lamido crisis was constituted to facilitate the restoration of peace and stability, investigate the remote cause of the crisis, identify and bring to Justice those who sponsored and instigated the crisis,
promote reconciliation and ensure justice.

The Governor said impunity will no longer find sanctuary in the Taraba State and urged the Commission to seek the truth and find lasting peace.

The Governor said the Taraba Initiative for Farmland and Forest Occupation represents a bold, structured response to regulate, and secure farmlands and forest reserves across the a state.

He expressed optimism that TIFFO would serve as a long-term strategy for land use, environmental protection, and agricultural development as well as curbing land-related disputes and unauthorised occupation.

In their acceptance speeches, the Emir of Muri, Abbas Njiddah Tafida Chairman TIFFO and Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, Justice Silas Haruna (rtd), expressed gratitude to the governor for finding them worthy of the assignments.
pledging their commitment to serve with diligence, fairness and integrity.

Similarly, to ensure the safety of the State and maintain an environment conducive for residents to carry out their daily activities, the Governor equally convened an expanded security meeting with the theme “Securing our State, Safeguarding the future” at the Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House, Jalingo which brought together key security stakeholders across the State.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Kefas explained that the meeting was aimed at engaging stakeholders in a comprehensive and deliberate approach to provide adequate security in the state.

He noted that significant progress has been made in various sectors, including education, health, and agriculture over the past two years saying without security, no meaningful progress would be achieved.

The Governor highlighted that the Statetate faces threats from multiple sources, including infiltration through motor parks, marketplaces, the international border with the Republic of Cameroon from neighbouring States, and unregulated mining activities and expressed the urgent need for decisive measures to improve on the peace enjoyed by the people.

Dr. Kefas described the meeting as a call to action, stating that security is a collective responsibility by every citizen and called for strathenning of the intelligence Architecture in the State emphasising the importance of empowering women and youth with alternatives to crimes.

He advocated for collaboration with traditional institutions to reclaim ungoverned spaces and the creation of a State-wide network for early warnings and response, as well as the protection of schools, markets, motor parks, and places of worship.

The Governor acknowledged the issue of illegal mining and pledged to take immediate necessary action.

He urged the gatheting to contribute useful suggestions and ideas that would foster harmony in the State, emphasising that all decisions made during the meeting would be translated into practical actions.

The Governor announced the expansion of the Taraba Marshals security outfit to incorporate vigilante groups, hunters, and community-based structures.

Earlier, Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, noted that the state has experienced significant improvements in the security of life and property due to the commitment of the Governor.

Taraba State is known for its skirmishes here and there since the Creation of the State, from Wukari, Ibi to Takum, Sardauna to Bali, Lau and of recently in Karim lamido in addition to various cases of kidnappings and killing of traditional rulers and other crimes which need to be addressed squarely.