The Taraba State Government has declared Karim-Lamido Local Government Area a Special Area of Security Concern following persistent violence and worsening insecurity across the council.
Governor Agbu Kefas made the declaration on Friday in Jalingo through Executive Order No. 1 of 2026, as part of decisive measures to restore peace, safeguard lives and property, and ensure a conducive environment for economic and social activities.
According to an official press release, the decision was prompted by recurring communal clashes, banditry-related attacks, and violent confrontations between farmers and herders within the Karim-Lamido axis. Security and government assessments indicate that the situation poses a significant threat 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 mass displacement of residents. In 2025, renewed violence in the area reportedly led to several fatalities, including the deaths of soldiers deployed to maintain order.
Under the special security designation, the state government is empowered to implement enhanced security measures. These include the deployment of additional security personnel to identified flashpoints and 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 also intensified high-level security meetings and consultations with key stakeholders to tackle underlying causes of insecurity, such as unemployment, land disputes, and intercommunal tensions.
Beyond security operations, the administration has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the root causes of the Karim-Lamido crisis, including allegations of instigation, destruction of property, and loss of lives. The commission is expected to recommend measures on accountability, reconciliation, and long-term peacebuilding.
In addition, committees on land use and conflict prevention have been established to address recurring land-related disputes and reduce resource-based conflicts in the area.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to peace and inclusive governance, Governor Kefas warned that acts of violence would not be tolerated. He urged residents 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 strengthened security enforcement with legal and social interventions aimed at restoring stability and enabling displaced residents to return safely to their communities.
