GOV. KEFAS RECEIVES SECURITY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE EXPANSION REPORTS

By Apex Media Network 

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has received the reports of the Zonal Security Summit Committee and the Committee on the Acquisition and Compensation of Land surrounding the Government House for its proposed expansion.

Governor Kefas received the two reports on Monday at the Exco Chamber of the TY Danjuma House, Jalingo, describing them as important documents that will guide government decisions on security, infrastructure development and effective governance.

The Governor commended the Zonal Security Summit Committee, chaired by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, for its dedication, commitment and inclusive approach.

The committee conducted consultations across the three senatorial zones, engaging communities and stakeholders to identify security challenges, map hotspots, document concerns and obtain recommendations from the people.

Presenting the report, Speaker Bonzena said the committee worked within the mandate given by the Governor and took the security conversation directly to the grassroots to obtain first-hand information from affected communities.

Governor Kefas assured the committee that the recommendations would be carefully considered and implemented as appropriate.

The Governor also received the report of the Committee on the Acquisition and Compensation of Land surrounding the Government House. The committee, chaired by former Governor of the state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, was represented at the presentation by the Head of the State Civil Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara.

Dr. Kara said the committee engaged relevant stakeholders and affected landowners to communicate the government’s expansion plans and address issues relating to land acquisition and compensation.

Governor Kefas said the proposed expansion is not merely about creating additional space, but about addressing the infrastructure needs of a Government House that has served the state for many years.

He noted that the complex has become inadequate for the demands of a modern state, stressing the need to rebuild, expand and upgrade some of its facilities and structures.

The two reports are expected to provide direction for further government action on strengthening security and modernising critical infrastructure in Taraba State.

The development comes as the Kefas administration continues to pursue measures aimed at consolidating peace, improving governance and creating the infrastructure and security environment required for sustainable development.

Source: Zainab Jalingo, Esq., Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Taraba State.

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.

Kefas Pledges Full Support for Army’s 10 Division in Taraba

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has pledged full support for the take-off of the Nigerian Army’s 10 Division Headquarters in Jalingo.

Receiving an Army delegation led by Maj. Gen. BT Ugiagbe in Abuja, Kefas described the new division as critical for securing Taraba and the wider North-East, citing the state’s vast landmass and border with Cameroon. 

He thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, and confirmed that the state government will provide land and all necessary support for the headquarters.

Kefas said the division would also drive jobs, investment, and development across Taraba and neighboring Adamawa State.

Maj. Gen. Ugiagbe said the 10 Division will strengthen command structure and improve response to security challenges in both states.

TARABA POLICE, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE STRENGTHEN PARTNERSNERSHIP FOR SECURITY, ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, CP Moorkwap Sebastian Dongshal, has reaffirmed the commitment of the State Police Command to strengthening collaboration with the Taraba State Internal Revenue Service (TIRS) to enhance security and support economic development across the state.

The assurance was given on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Executive Chairman of TIRS, Brig. Gen. Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa (Rtd.), who led members of the agency's board, directors, and heads of units to the Police Command Headquarters in Jalingo.

Speaking during the visit, Faransa said the engagement was aimed at deepening the existing relationship between the two institutions and fostering stronger cooperation in the discharge of their responsibilities to the government and people of Taraba State.

He stressed that effective collaboration among government agencies is essential for promoting good governance, public safety, and sustainable development. According to him, a peaceful and secure environment remains critical for economic activities to flourish, making partnership between security agencies and revenue-generating institutions indispensable.

In his response, CP Dongshal welcomed the delegation and commended the leadership of TIRS for prioritizing institutional collaboration. He assured the agency of the Police Command's readiness to maintain a productive working relationship that would advance the interests of the state.

The police commissioner noted that security is a shared responsibility, emphasizing that cooperation among government institutions and relevant stakeholders is key to safeguarding lives and property while creating an enabling environment for economic growth.

He also reiterated the Command's commitment to providing the necessary support, within its constitutional mandate, to enable government institutions to carry out their lawful responsibilities effectively.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for both organisations to identify areas of mutual interest, strengthen information sharing, and explore new avenues for collaboration in support of security, governance, and the overall development of Taraba State.

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.