From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas yesterday wept at an emergency security meeting held in Jalingo over the killing of about 58 Binnari villagers in a fresh attack by unknown bandits in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Kefas, while presiding over the meeting, declared the council as an area of particular security concern for another six months.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Kefas said he was deeply pained by the incident. He condemned the killing in strong terms, describing it as devastating for the affected families and the entire Karim-Lamido communities.
“We have gathered to mourn those we have lost, support those affected, and agree on the actions required to protect our people,” the Governor said.
Kefas assured that his administration will not allow criminal elements to destroy the peace Taraba has enjoyed. According to him, security agencies are already on track to track down the attackers.
“Our long-standing peace must not be disrupted by those who seek to destroy it. We are on track to identify and apprehend the criminals who have vowed to threaten our peace and security,” he declared.
He condoled with the families of those who lost their lives and the entire Binnari community, praying to God to grant the departed eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the loss.
The Governor said he has directed relevant authorities to account for all missing persons, trace their whereabouts and give necessary support to affected families.
He also charged security agencies to dig deep into the attack – to investigate how the bandits moved, what their motives were, and whether they have links with other criminal activities around the area.
Governor Kefas called on traditional rulers, village and ward heads, youths and farmers to work closely with security agencies by providing credible and timely information.
He equally appealed to the public and the media to always verify information before sharing, to avoid spreading rumours that could cause more tension.
With the redesignation of Karim-Lamido as an area of particular security concern, the government said security presence will be heightened in the area to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property.
Recall that the attack, carried out by suspected armed-bandits shortly after Jumu’ah Prayer at about 3:00pm left innocent people dead and several families traumatized.
