Taraba Killings: Governor extends security measures by six months

The Taraba State Governor, 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 deadly attack on Binnari community.

The governor announced the decision on Monday after an emergency security meeting at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Jalingo, the state capital, in response to the 23 October attack that left dozens of residents dead and several families traumatised.

He said the extension was aimed at sustaining security operations in the area, where recurring violence has continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and peaceful coexistence.

Mr Kefas condemned the killings, describing the incident as a painful loss for the affected families and the state.

“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.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that those responsible for the attack would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

The governor directed relevant authorities to account for missing persons, establish their whereabouts and support the affected individuals and families.

He also instructed security agencies to investigate the attackers’ movements and possible motives, including whether they were linked to other criminal activities.

Mr Kefas called for a coordinated security response to protect Binnari and neighbouring communities against further attacks.

He urged traditional rulers, ward and village heads, youths and farmers to provide credible information to support ongoing investigations and prevent further violence.

The governor also cautioned residents and media organisations against circulating unverified information that could heighten tension in the affected communities.

Karim-Lamido was previously designated a special area of security concern in January 2026 through Executive Order No. 1, following recurring communal clashes, bandit attacks and farmer-herder conflicts.

However, the latest attack on Binnari has renewed concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures and the protection of vulnerable rural communities.

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The police initially confirmed 10 deaths following the attack on 23 October. Subsequent reports indicated a higher death toll as more bodies were recovered from surrounding areas.

The governor expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Binnari, assuring them of the government’s commitment to restoring peace and preventing further attacks.

He said the extended security designation would sustain attention on the area while the government worked to restore residents’ confidence and address the security challenges confronting the local government.

The government has also called for cooperation among community leaders, residents and security agencies to ensure lasting peace in Karim-Lamido.