Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has declared Karim-Lamido Local Government Area a Special Area of Security Concern following persistent violence and worsening insecurity across the council.
The declaration was made on Friday in Jalingo through Executive Order No. 1 of 2026, as part of the state government’s renewed efforts to restore peace, protect lives and property, and create an enabling environment for economic and social activities.
According to an official press release, the decision was informed by recurring communal clashes, banditry-related attacks, and violent farmer-herder conflicts that have continued to threaten stability along the Karim-Lamido axis. Security assessments by government agencies indicate that the situation poses a serious risk not only to the local government area but also to the overall peace and development of Taraba State.
Karim-Lamido has faced prolonged security challenges in recent years, including attacks on civilians and security personnel, destruction of farmlands and property, and the displacement of residents. In 2025, renewed violence in the area reportedly claimed several lives, including soldiers deployed to restore order.
With the special security designation, the state government is now empowered to implement enhanced security measures, including the deployment of additional security personnel to identified flashpoints. The order also provides for the formal registration and coordination of community vigilante groups, hunters, and local defence outfits under the supervision of the Taraba State Marshals Security Guard.
Governor Kefas has further intensified high-level security meetings and consultations with key stakeholders to address the root causes of the crisis, such as unemployment, land disputes, and intercommunal tensions.
Beyond security operations, the administration has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the underlying causes of the Karim-Lamido crisis, including allegations of instigation, destruction of property, and loss of lives. The commission is expected to make recommendations on accountability, reconciliation, and long-term peacebuilding.
In addition, the state government has set up committees on land use and conflict prevention to tackle recurring land-related disputes and reduce resource-based conflicts.
Governor Kefas reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace and inclusive governance, warning that acts of violence would not be tolerated. He urged residents of Karim-Lamido to cooperate with security agencies, comply with lawful security measures, and actively participate in community peace initiatives.
The declaration is expected to attract increased attention and resources to Karim-Lamido, combining security enforcement with legal and social interventions aimed at restoring stability and enabling displaced residents to return safely to their communities.
