Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has extended the designation of Karim Lamido Local Government Council 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 on Monday at the Exco Chamber of TY Danjuma House, where security officials and stakeholders from Karim Lamido deliberated on measures to prevent further attacks and strengthen security across the area.
The governor condemned the attack, which claimed lives and left residents traumatised, expressing condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Binari.
He directed relevant authorities to account for all missing persons, establish the identities of those who remained unknown and provide support to families affected by the incident.
Kefas disclosed that security agencies were investigating the movements and possible motives of the attackers, including potential links to other criminal activities.
He charged the agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack 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 that required coordinated and sustained security operations.
He called on security agencies to develop a comprehensive security 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 security operations.
He cautioned residents and the media against spreading unverified reports, warning that misinformation could heighten tensions and undermine efforts to restore peace.
"The six-month extension of the special security designation was a targeted measure aimed at addressing the area's security challenges and should not be interpreted as a negative label against the people," Kefas explained.
"The security initiative would be accompanied by infrastructure and development interventions to address the needs of affected communities," the governor added.
The governor directed relevant authorities to engage with residents and ensure their immediate needs were addressed, stressing that the people required not only protection but also deliberate efforts to rebuild their communities and overcome existing challenges.
He reaffirmed that Taraba remained open to legitimate business and investment, describing the attack as a serious crime against the people of Binari but insisting that the incident did not define the state or its residents.
Kefas assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen security, prevent further attacks, ensure the prosecution of perpetrators and deny armed groups safe havens in the state.
He urged security agencies to demonstrate courage, discipline, cooperation and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Kefas extends Karim Lamido's special security status by six months