NewsNigeriaPoliticsTaraba Governor Appoints Karim Lamido to Lead ‘Special Area of Security Concern’ 

Following last Friday’s massacre of more than 50 lives and the destruction of property worth thousands of Naira in Binnari village, Amar Ward of Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba state, the Governor of the, Dr. Agbu Kefas has designated Karim Lamido LGA to head a “Special Area of Security Concern” for another six months.

Kefas, who made the declaration Monday during an urgent security meeting with heads and representatives of security agencies, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, local government officials and community leaders, stated that the extension would be accompanied by plans to rebuild the community.

The Governor directed security agencies to investigate, identify and bring those responsible to face full wrath of the law.

“Karim Lamido was previously designated a Special Area of Security Concern. I hereby announce that the designation is extended for a further six months, effective 26 October 2026.

“This is a focused security measure; it is not a label on the people of Karim Lamido. The extension will be accompanied by infrastructure and development measures, because communities need both protection and the means to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

“We know that armed men attacked the community and took food supplies. The security agencies are investigating the attackers’ movements, possible motives and any connections to other criminal activity. I will not disclose preliminary intelligence in a public forum or prejudice the investigation. I expect the agencies to identify those responsible, pursue them within the law and bring them to justice.

“The information available to us confirms a grave loss of life. The casualty figures and the circumstances surrounding some deaths are still being reconciled. I have directed the relevant authorities to account for every missing person, verify the identities and circumstances of those who died, support affected families and provide the public with accurate updates. We will not speculate about the final figures,” he added.

Kefas acknowledged the environmental challenges of the community which affects security operations, called for enhanced coordination between the security agencies to safeguard the troubled area.

“Karim Lamido presents a demanding security environment. It is a large rural area with dispersed settlements, farming communities, market routes and waterways. Distance, difficult access in some locations and boundaries with neighbouring jurisdictions can make timely communication and response more challenging. These conditions require close coordination among agencies, reliable local information and a response that reaches vulnerable communities quickly. They do not lessen our responsibility to protect the people.

“Before this meeting concludes, I expect the heads of our security agencies to agree on a coordinated framework for protecting Binnari and surrounding communities, with clear responsibilities, immediate actions and a timetable for review. The operational details—including deployments, routes and intelligence sources—must be handled through appropriate secure channels. Our people should see a united response and know how to report a threat safely,” the governor said.

According to Kefas, the isolated attack should not be used to define the state and its people and therefore pledged government determination to deny armed group a safe haven.

“To the people of Taraba, to Nigerians and to our friends in the international community: Taraba remains open to residents, visitors and legitimate business. This attack is a grave crime against Binnari; it does not define our state or the character of our people. We will not abandon this community. Our commitment is to strengthen protection, prevent further attacks, pursue those responsible and deny armed groups a safe haven in Taraba,” Kefas added.

He also called on all stakeholders to share credible information to the proper channnels and charged media personnel to be responsible in their reportage.

“I call on traditional rulers, ward and village leaders, youth groups, farmers, transporters and residents to share credible information through the proper channels. I also ask everyone, including public officials and members of the media to verify information before sharing it, respect the privacy of victims and avoid publishing material that could put residents at risk or compromise security operations. The press has an important role in informing the public responsibly.

“I have directed the relevant authorities to coordinate support for bereaved and displaced households, including food assistance, medical care and other urgent needs. The loss of food supplies also makes it important to help affected families restore access to essential provisions and protect local livelihoods,” the governor said.