The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has warned that criminals killing people in the name of any tribe are on their own and would be treated as violators of the law.
Kefas who was reacting to recent attacks in the southern parts of the state, said his administration has zero tolerance for violence and ethnic restiveness
Making his position known via a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Jalingo by his Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, the governor condemned all acts of criminality in the state.
He warned that his administration will continue to deal decisively with all criminals and acts of criminality no matter where they are happening in the state, saying that security agencies are fully equipped to deal with all troublemakers and enforce law and order irrespective of who is involved.
He noted that every tribe can live together in harmony if they are honest and have mutual respect.
“Criminals killings in the name of any tribes are on their own and would be treated as violators of the law.
“If any tribe has any issues, there are ways to go about settlement and not through taking the laws into their hands. There are dialogue machineries in place.
”We have the justice departments. We have community leaders and elected leaders. These are avenues to settle scores. Criminals are criminals and those hiding under the guise of seeking justice for their tribes by violent means shall be fetched out and dealt with.” Kefas stated.
The governor noted that he has partnered with the top echelon of the nation’s security architecture to support the state and stressed that the administration has continued to work with local authorities, especially the traditional rulers and local government chairmen to arrest the situation.
“When we came in they said I should just appoint caretakers. I said no. We would have elections. I have given the elected chairmen their marching orders. I would hold them responsible for any breach of peace in their domains. I told them to work closely with the traditional authorities. We are equipping them with funding, vans, and other support to help them secure their communities.” Kefas stated.
