Binari Attack: Kefas Extends Security Measures By 6 Months, Northern Senators Demand Arrests, Prosecutions

By Samson Elijah, Abuja; Attah Anthony Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has extended the designation of Karim Lamido Local Government Area as an Area of Particular Security Concern by another six months following the deadly attack on Binnari community that claimed several lives.

The governor announced the decision yesterday at an emergency security meeting held at the Executive Chamber in T.Y. Danjuma House in Jalingo.

The decision followed Friday’s attack on Binnari, which left families traumatised and communities unsettled.

Meanwhile, Northern senators yesterday expressed shock and grief over the bandit attack on Binari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State last Friday, demanding the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The senators, in a condolence statement signed by the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, commiserated with the government and people of Taraba State over the attack, which claimed the lives of worshippers, vigilantes, women and children.

Governor Kefas, condemned the attack, describing its consequences as devastating, and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to protect residents and bring those responsible to justice.

“We have gathered to mourn those we have lost, support those affected, and agree on the actions required to protect our people,” he said.

He warned that the state would not allow criminal elements to undermine its peace, expressing confidence that security agencies would identify and apprehend those behind the violence.

“Our long-standing peace must not be disrupted by those who seek to destroy it.

“We are on track to identify and apprehend the criminals who have vowed to threaten our peace and security,” the governor stated.

Dr. Kefas said, relevant authorities had been directed to account for all missing persons, establish their whereabouts and provide necessary support to affected individuals and families.

He also directed security agencies to investigate the attackers’ movements, establish their motives and determine possible links to other criminal activities, while strengthening security coordination to prevent further attacks on Binnari and neighbouring communities.

The governor urged traditional rulers, ward and village heads, youths and farmers to provide credible information to security agencies through appropriate channels to support efforts to restore peace.

He further called on the public and media practitioners to verify information before publication, warning that the circulation of unconfirmed reports could heighten tension in the affected communities.

Shortly after the meeting, Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Edwin Ogbeghagha, said Governor Kefas had directed security agencies to take measures to prevent a recurrence of such attacks in Karim Lamido local government area.

LEADERSHIP reports that, the extension of the security designation is expected to sustain heightened security attention in Karim Lamido and strengthen efforts to protect residents against further attacks.

Over the weekend, the police command had confirmed that suspected armed men invaded Binnari community, killing 58 people, including 15, who reportedly drowned while fleeing the attackers.

The Northern senators, however, called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen security arrangements in the affected area to prevent further attacks.

The senators also called for the establishment of a Forward Operating Base and the deployment of intelligence-led patrols along the Kompany-Asusar route to improve security in the area.

The condolence statement reads: “We received with shock the murder of innocent worshippers, vigilantes, women and children shortly after Juma’at prayers, and we share in your grief at this difficult time.

“We use this medium to call on the leadership of the Police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for a comprehensive security surge in the Karim-Lamido and River Benue corridor, including a Forward Operating Base and intelligence-led patrols along the Kompany-Asusar route.”

The senators further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and well-meaning individuals to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by the attack.

“We also call on NEMA and leaders of goodwill to deliver urgent humanitarian relief, and we demand a thorough investigation to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators,” the statement added.

Offering prayers for the victims and their families, the senators said: “To the people of Binari, we pray that Allah (SWT) forgives the departed, grants them Al-Jannah Firdaus as martyrs, heals the injured, comforts the bereaved, and restores lasting peace to Taraba State and Nigeria.”