By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has convened a State Security Council meeting to address the recent attack on Binari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of the state.
The meeting, held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Exco Chamber of TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, brought together members of the State Security Council and stakeholders from Karim Lamido to deliberate on measures to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
Governor Kefas said the attack claimed innocent lives, traumatised families and caused distress throughout the community.
“On behalf of the government and people of Taraba State, I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Binari. I pray that God grants the deceased eternal rest and comforts those affected by the tragedy,” he said.
He directed the relevant authorities to account for all missing persons, establish their identities where necessary and provide support to the families of those who lost their lives.
The governor disclosed that security agencies were investigating the movements and possible motives of the attackers, including any links to other criminal activities.
“I have charged the agencies to identify those responsible for the attack and ensure they are brought to justice,” he said.
Kefas acknowledged the security challenges in Karim Lamido, describing it as a vast rural area with widely dispersed communities that require coordinated and sustained security interventions.
“I expect security agencies to develop a coordinated framework for protecting Binari and neighbouring communities against further attacks,” he stated.
The governor also called on traditional rulers, ward and village leaders, youths and farmers to provide credible security information through appropriate channels to assist security agencies in their operations.
He urged residents and the media to verify information before sharing it, warning that the spread of unconfirmed reports could heighten tension and undermine security efforts.
Kefas further announced the extension of Karim Lamido Local Government Area’s designation as an area of special security concern for another six months.
He explained that the designation was a targeted security measure rather than a negative label for the area, adding that it would be accompanied by infrastructure and development interventions.
According to him, the affected communities need not only protection but also deliberate efforts to rebuild and address the challenges confronting them.
He consequently directed the relevant authorities to engage with the affected communities and ensure that their immediate needs were addressed.
The governor reaffirmed that Taraba State remained open to legitimate business and investment opportunities, stressing that the attack was a grave crime against the people of Binari but did not define the state or its people.
He assured residents of the government’s commitment to strengthening security, preventing further attacks, bringing those responsible to justice and denying armed groups safe havens in Taraba State.
Kefas urged security agencies to demonstrate courage, discipline, cooperation and accountability in carrying out their responsibilities.