By Our Reporter 

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has approved the constitution of a Zonal Security Consultative Team to provide platforms for stakeholders to address security challenges across the state.

The Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Barr Gebon Timothy Kataps, announced the development in a press release issued on Monday.

According to the statement, the team will create avenues for security agencies, traditional rulers, local government authorities, religious leaders, women, youths, farmers, herders, community leaders, civil society actors, and other stakeholders to speak frankly on security issues in their zones and propose practical solutions.

The membership is divided into four categories.

The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon., will serve as Chairman, while the Secretary to the Government of the State will serve as Alternate Chairman and Coordinator. Other members include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Permanent Secretary, BLT&CA, Chairman of the Youth Development Agency, and Chairman of the Sports Development Commission.

Similarly, the Security and Intelligence committee members include the Commissioner of Police, Taraba State Command; Brigade Commander, 6 Brigade; State Director, Department of State Services; State Commander, NDLEA; representatives of Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, NAPTIP, Federal Road Safety Corps, Correctional Service, Taraba Marshals/Forest Guards, and DIA.

The Traditional, Religious and Community comprises representatives of the Taraba State Council of Chiefs, Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim Council of Nigeria, women groups, youth groups, farmers’ associations, livestock/herder associations, hunters/vigilante groups, civil society organisations, and persons with disabilities.

While the Secretariat and Technical Support will be led by the Special Adviser on Security as Secretary and Technical Lead. Other members include the Legal Adviser to the Governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Permanent Secretary, General Services, Directors of Administration, Security Services, and Planning Research and Statistics, Protocol Officer, Secretary Cabinet Affairs, Social Media Representative, Data/GIS Mapping Officer, and Logistics and Welfare Officer.

The government said the consultative team is expected to enhance grassroots participation in security decision-making and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the state’s security challenges.