From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
At the just concluded Taraba Security Consultative Summit, stakeholders in the three senatorial zones comprising the North, Central and the South respectively have applauded the Governor Agbu Kefas initiative to organize such a summit in the state when it matters most.
During the opening of the summit, Governor Kefas noted that the event is a far reaching stakeholders engagement designed to develop sustainable and community based solutions to the prevailing security challenges confronting the state and its surrounding areas.
The summit brought together top security chiefs, government officials, traditional institutions, council chairmen’s, community representatives and stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies aimed at making sure lives and properties are protected in the state.
Speaking at the summit, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Gibon Kataps disclosed that the governor’s initiative to organize the summit at this point in time was a deliberate approach to checkmate the present security challenges arising from neighbouring states and the need to take proactive measures in Taraba State.
Kataps emphasized that Governor Kefas administration remains fully committed to preserving the state’s image as a must peaceful and secured state in the country.
According to him, the government is implementing a series of strategic interventions aimed at curbing insecurity, thereby frustrating criminal elements from gaining access to exploit economic activities to finance operations.
The SSG further revealed that the security consultation initiative will offer residents the opportunities to contribute directly to the formation of security architecture in Taraba.
Also speaking during the summit, chairman of the committee/speaker Taraba State House Assembly, Rt-Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, stressed the need for greater collaboration between government and citizens to effectively address the security challenges.
Bonzena,who made the call in the three senatorial zones respectively, commended gov. Agbu Kefas for his proactive approach to security.
He said the governor’s decision to establish the security consultation committee was to engage communities directly to understand their concerns and gather practical suggestions for improving security.
According to him, the committee’s primary objective is to listen to the people, encourage them to speak about the security challenges in their communities and recommend effective strategies for securing lives and property.
He further said the essence of the consultation is to hear directly from the people and identify the best ways to secure home land and build a Taraba State that everyone will be proud of.
Meanwhile in their remarks, hosts chairmen of the three zones, Hon. Bala Useni (Wuakari, Southern Zone), Hon. Habila Balassa (Bali, Central Zone) and Hon. Nura Dantsoho (Jalingo, Northern Zone) described the summit as a demonstration of purposeful leadership and Taraba State Government’s commitment to promoting peace, security and stability.
According to the hosts chairmen, the consultation was timely, noting that security remains the foundation for development, pointing out that no society can achieve meaningful progress where fear, violence, mistrust and criminality prevail.
They however urged residents to support government efforts and restore lasting peace across the state.
