Taraba Constitutes Task Force to Recover Government Lands

By Nformi Desmond 

The Taraba State Government has constituted a Task Force to recover government lands allegedly taken over by individuals and organisations across the state.

The Task Force, approved by Governor Agbu Kefas, is part of the administration’s efforts to protect public assets, restore government properties and ensure that lands belonging to the state are not unlawfully occupied or converted to private use.

The committee is chaired by Nelson Nathaniel Banka and comprises representatives from the Taraba State Geographic Information System (TAGIS), the Police, State Government Services Office, and the Ministries of Environment, Education and Justice.

Other members of the Task Force are Atiku Muhammed of TAGIS, Daniel Gelle Kwanchi, Muhammad Lawal Buba, Awudu Ishaya Gani, Umaru Adamu Leme and Jacob Andungwa Ahmadu.

Representatives from other relevant government institutions are also members of the committee, while Abel Bako Lau will serve as Secretary.

According to a press release signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, the Task Force is specifically mandated to identify and address cases involving government lands taken over by individuals and organisations within Taraba State.

The committee is expected to examine the status of affected government lands and take appropriate steps towards their recovery in line with existing laws and government policy.

The Task Force will be formally inaugurated by Governor Agbu Kefas on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Executive Council Chambers in Jalingo.

The constitution of the Task Force underscores the Kefas administration’s commitment to safeguarding government assets and strengthening accountability in the management and use of public land across Taraba State.

Taraba Government Refutes Report of Stranded Contingent at Jaji Training

By Apex Media Network

The Taraba State Government has dismissed reports that its contingent participating in an ongoing capacity-building training at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resource Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State, has been stranded over the alleged non-payment of allowances.

The government described the report as false and misleading, saying participants from the state are safe, comfortable and adequately catered for throughout the training.

In a statement, the Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties to the Governor, Professor Josiah Sabo Kente, said the welfare of the Taraba contingent and other necessary arrangements had been adequately provided for.

Professor Kente challenged the authors of the report to provide evidence to support the claim that participants had been abandoned or left stranded.

He accused those behind the report of attempting to create unnecessary anxiety and discredit the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas.

The Special Adviser said the state government remains committed to the welfare, capacity development and professional advancement of Taraba citizens and public servants.

He urged members of the public to disregard what he described as politically motivated misinformation and rely on verified information.

The statement was signed by Professor Josiah Sabo Kente, Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties to the Governor of Taraba State.

Taraba Begins Settlement of Long-Standing LG Salary Arrears

By Apex Media Network 

The Taraba State Government has commenced the payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to local government workers and retirees, with Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas officially launching the exercise in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area on Tuesday.

The initiative covers five months of unpaid salaries accumulated over the years and is expected to benefit workers and pensioners across the state's 16 local government areas.

Representing the governor at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engr. Andrew Godfrey Dame, said the administration was fulfilling a moral obligation to ease the hardship faced by affected workers and retirees.

He explained that the arrears, which date back to 2015, were inherited from previous administrations, adding that the current government was determined to gradually clear the backlog despite prevailing financial constraints.

According to him, the payment process will be implemented in phases, beginning with the release of one month's arrears, while subsequent payments will be made as resources permit.

The governor's representative further urged local government chairmen to ensure that the exercise is conducted with fairness and transparency, noting that the families of deceased beneficiaries should also receive the payments due to their late relatives.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Comrade Elnathan Bila Auta described the development as a significant relief for workers and retirees who have waited for years to receive their outstanding entitlements.

He commended Governor Kefas for demonstrating commitment to the welfare of public servants and expressed optimism that the remaining arrears would be settled in due course.

The flag-off marks another step in the state government's efforts to address inherited financial obligations while strengthening confidence among workers and retirees in Taraba State.