FR. MUKE CALLS FOR FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION AND PEACE

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Taraba State on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has called on Christians to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

In a Sunday message, Fr. Muke reflected on the Gospel of Matthew 18:15–20, where Jesus teaches his followers to address wrongs with love and humility and seek reconciliation rather than conflict.

He urged Christians to choose dialogue over bitterness, forgiveness over resentment and unity over division.

According to him, Christians should cultivate peace in their families and communities, stressing that Christ is present when people come together in love and agreement.

Fr. Muke prayed for wisdom and humility among Christians to forgive and correct one another in love.

He also prayed for lasting peace, unity and progress in families, communities and Taraba State.

The Special Adviser wished Christians a happy Sunday and called for continued commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Apex Media Network

Kefas Sponsors Taraba Officials for Leadership, Peace Support Training at Jaji

The Taraba State Government has commenced a one-week leadership and peace support operations training for key government officials at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The training, sponsored by Governor Agbu Kefas, is aimed at strengthening the leadership capacity of participants and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage governance, peace and security challenges.

The combined inauguration ceremony for the various courses was held on Monday as participants began the intensive programme, which is expected to focus on leadership development, peace and security dynamics, and effective public administration.

Participants drawn from different arms and levels of government include members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, chairmen of the 16 local government areas, members of the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission, officials of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as political advisers to the state government.

The state government said the initiative reflects Governor Kefas’ commitment to continuous training and retraining of public officials and civil servants to improve their professional competence and service delivery.

Since assuming office, the administration has continued to emphasise capacity building as a key component of its governance strategy, creating opportunities for government officials to acquire new knowledge and strengthen their leadership skills.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Zainab Jalingo, the administration believes that effective governance requires strong institutions and public officials who understand that public office comes with a responsibility to serve the people.

The government said the training is part of its broader effort to build capable institutions, promote peace and strengthen governance in Taraba State.

It added that the initiative is ultimately aimed at preparing the state for a more peaceful, capable and prosperous future.

TSBPCM DG Applauds Governor Kefas' Reforms to Boost Peace, Security in Taraba

The Director-General of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management (TSBPCM) has praised Governor Agbu Kefas for introducing a series of executive orders aimed at addressing insecurity, environmental degradation, and social challenges in the state.

Speaking at the National Peace Policy High-Level Stakeholders' Workshop in Abuja, the DG described the governor's actions as decisive and forward-looking, noting that the policies would reinforce peacebuilding efforts, prevent conflicts, and promote sustainable development across Taraba.

He singled out the Executive Order banning political thuggery as a significant milestone in strengthening democratic governance and maintaining public peace. According to him, the prohibition of political thuggery, hate speech, voter intimidation, and the carrying of weapons during political activities sends a strong message against violence and underscores the administration's commitment to credible elections and the rule of law.

The DG also welcomed the Executive Order regulating mining operations and protecting host communities, saying it would help tackle illegal mining and logging, preserve the environment, and protect agricultural lands and water bodies. He noted that the policy would ensure the responsible use of Taraba's natural resources while safeguarding the interests of local communities.

On the issue of drug abuse, he described the governor's Executive Order as a major step towards strengthening the state's response to substance abuse and mental health challenges. He said the policy would improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes while expanding access to prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration programmes, especially for vulnerable youths.

The Director-General reaffirmed the bureau's readiness to partner with relevant government agencies, security organisations, traditional institutions, and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the executive orders. He expressed optimism that the reforms would foster lasting peace, improve public safety, and accelerate the state's social and economic development.

PEACE BUREAU TAKES SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN TO BALI, URGES COMMUNITIES TO REJECT VIOLENCE

The Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management has intensified its statewide peace campaign with a sensitization programme in Bali Local Government Area, urging residents to shun violence and embrace dialogue as the foundation for lasting peace and development.

The campaign brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, herders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to discuss practical measures for strengthening peaceful coexistence and preventing conflicts in the area.

Addressing participants, the Chairman of the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, condemned recurring violence and called on communities to put an end to killings and all forms of hostility.

"It is enough. Killings, violence and acrimony among communities must end," Bishop Solomon said, stressing that peace remains essential for sustainable development and economic growth.

He urged farmers and herders to promote mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation, noting that harmonious relationships between both groups would enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to the progress of Taraba State and Nigeria.

Bishop Solomon also commended the Executive Chairman of Bali Local Government Area, Hon. Habila Balasa, for his commitment to promoting peace and strengthening security in the council. He described the council chairman as a proactive leader whose efforts have continued to support stability and peaceful coexistence across the local government.

The Bureau reiterated its commitment to expanding its peace sensitization and conflict prevention campaigns across Taraba State, encouraging residents to resolve disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means rather than violence.

TARABA'S IMPROVED SECURITY REFLECTS GOV. KEFAS' COMMITMENT TO PEACE – BISHOP SOLOMON

The Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, says the relative peace currently being experienced across Taraba State is a direct result of the deliberate security and peacebuilding policies of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas' administration.

Speaking on Haske Television's Guest of the Week programme, Bishop Solomon said the state government's sustained investment in security, dialogue, and conflict prevention has significantly reduced criminal activities while strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities.

He noted that Taraba's improving security profile is attracting national attention, pointing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent announcement of plans to establish a Nigerian Army Division in Taraba, alongside a few other states, as a demonstration of growing confidence in the state's security architecture and strategic importance.

According to the Bureau Chairman, the agency has intensified its peacebuilding efforts through the establishment of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanisms in communities across the state. He said the initiative is helping to detect and address potential conflicts before they escalate.

Bishop Solomon added that the Bureau has expanded stakeholder engagement and conflict prevention strategies as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather pace. He explained that the Bureau is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, youth and women groups, as well as civil society organisations to promote dialogue and prevent violence.

He said the collaborative approach has strengthened intelligence gathering, improved responses to emerging security threats, and enhanced public confidence in the state's peacebuilding framework.

The Bureau Chairman also commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies operating in Taraba State for their professionalism and dedication to safeguarding lives and property.

Reaffirming the Bureau's commitment to sustaining peace across the state, Bishop Solomon said it would continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains already recorded and ensure peaceful elections before, during, and after the 2027 general polls.

He also urged residents to support government and security agencies by remaining law-abiding, reporting suspicious activities, and embracing dialogue in resolving disputes, stressing that lasting peace is a shared responsibility.