By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has extended the designation of Karim Lamido Local Government Area as an Area of Particular Security Concern for another six months following a deadly attack on Binnari village that claimed lives and left residents traumatised.

The governor convened an emergency security meeting at the Chamber of the T. Y. Danjuma House in Jalingo to review the attack, which occurred on Friday, October 23, 2026, and determine measures to prevent further violence in the affected communities.Speaking at the meeting, Kefas condemned the attack, describing its impact on the victims’ families and the wider community as devastating.

He said the incident had resulted in the loss of innocent lives, caused severe distress and disrupted the peace of the area.“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 maintaining peace, protecting residents and ensuring that those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice.“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,” Kefas declared.The governor expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Binnari community, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and divine comfort for those affected by the tragedy.

He disclosed that relevant authorities had been directed to account for all missing persons, establish their whereabouts and provide the necessary assistance to affected individuals and families.Kefas also directed security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, trace the movements of the assailants, establish their motives and determine whether they were connected to other criminal activities in the area.

He emphasised the need for a coordinated security response to protect Binnari and neighbouring communities from further attacks, stressing that security agencies must intensify their efforts to safeguard lives and property.

The governor called on traditional rulers, ward and village heads, youths and farmers to provide credible intelligence to security agencies through appropriate channels, noting that community cooperation was essential to restoring lasting peace.He further urged members of the public and the media to verify information before sharing or publishing it, warning that the circulation of unconfirmed reports could heighten tension and undermine ongoing security efforts. The extension of Karim Lamido’s designation as an Area of Particular Security Concern for another six months underscores the state government’s decision to sustain heightened security measures in the area and strengthen efforts to prevent further violence.

The administration said its priority remained the protection of residents, the restoration of normalcy and the prosecution of those responsible for attacks on innocent communities.