By Henry Agbu,  Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has extended the designation of Karim Lamido Local Government Area as an area of special security concern for another six months following the recent attack on Binari community.

Kefas announced the extension  during a State Security Council meeting held at the Exco Chamber, TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, where security officials and stakeholders from Karim Lamido deliberated on measures to prevent further attacks and strengthen security in the area.

The governor condemned the attack, which claimed lives and left families and residents traumatised, while expressing condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Binari.

He directed the relevant authorities to account for all missing persons, establish their identities where necessary and provide support to families affected by the incident.

Kefas said security agencies were investigating the movement and possible motives of the attackers, including potential links to other criminal activities. He charged them to identify and apprehend those responsible and ensure they were brought to justice.

Acknowledging the security challenges in Karim Lamido, the governor described the local government area as a vast rural terrain with widely dispersed communities requiring coordinated and sustained security operations.

He called on security agencies to develop a comprehensive framework to protect Binari and neighbouring communities against further attacks.

The governor also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and farmers to provide credible security information through appropriate channels to support ongoing operations.

He cautioned residents and the media against spreading unverified reports, warning that misinformation could heighten tension and undermine security efforts.

Kefas said the six-month extension of the special security designation was a targeted measure to address the area’s security challenges and should not be viewed as a negative label. He added that the initiative would be accompanied by infrastructure and development interventions.

He directed relevant authorities to engage with affected communities and ensure their immediate needs were addressed, stressing that residents required not only protection but also deliberate efforts to rebuild and overcome existing challenges.

The governor reaffirmed that Taraba remained open to legitimate business and investment, noting that the attack was a serious crime against the people of Binari but did not define the state or its people.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen security, prevent further attacks, bring perpetrators to justice and deny armed groups safe havens in the state.

Kefas urged security agencies to demonstrate courage, discipline, cooperation and accountability in discharging their responsibilities.