By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Saturday vowed that perpetrators of the deadly attack on Binnari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area would be brought to justice.
Suspected bandits reportedly invaded Binnari, in Amar Ward, Karim II Constituency, in the early hours of Friday, killing 10 people, burning houses and shops, and destroying foodstuffs worth millions of naira.
The community, which borders Plateau State, has witnessed recurring banditry and reprisal attacks in recent months.
Local sources said many residents fled to neighbouring communities during the attack, while several others were reported missing. Residents alleged that security assistance arrived too late despite distress calls.
Reacting to the incident on Friday, Governor Kefas, through his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, described the killings as unfortunate and unacceptable.
He directed security agencies to urgently restore calm in the area, protect lives and property, and ensure that those responsible for the attack were identified and prosecuted.
The governor said no effort must be spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice, regardless of their status, stressing that everyone involved must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Karim-Lamido. He disclosed that he had recently approved N1 billion for the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management to address the aftermath of previous crises and support peacebuilding initiatives.
He added that efforts were ongoing to facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
The governor commiserated with the families of those killed, prayed for the repose of their souls, and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives.
The attack has continued to attract condemnation from stakeholders in the area, including the member representing Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido and Lau Federal Constituency, Hon. A.M. Lauya, and Accord Party candidate, Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh.
They called for improved intelligence gathering and the deployment of additional security personnel to border communities to prevent further attacks.
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