Mambilla Crisis: Kefas Orders Arrest, Prosecution of Perpetrators, Directs Security Agencies to Restore Peace
By Our Correspondent
JALINGO — Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has ordered security agencies to immediately move into communities affected by the recent violence in the Mambilla Plateau and ensure the arrest and prosecution of persons responsible for the crisis.
The directive was contained in a press statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Esq., on Thursday, September 17, 2026, following a communal disturbance reported in Mbara Village, Mbamnga District of Sardauna Local Government Area.
The government said the incident involved residents identified as Mambilla and Fulani-Geroje, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property.
Governor Kefas, according to the statement, directed security agencies to “immediately move into the affected area, restore full normalcy, and ensure that peace is sustained.”
He also ordered that those responsible for the violence be brought to justice, stressing that perpetrators must be identified and prosecuted regardless of their status.
The statement quoted the Governor as directing that “all perpetrators of this dastardly act, no matter how highly placed, must be fished out, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The latest government intervention comes amid heightened tension in parts of Sardauna LGA, where the local government authority has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mbamnga, Mbara and Geroji communities following reports of violent clashes. Security personnel have also been deployed to the affected areas to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.
Reports from the affected communities have indicated fatalities, injuries and destruction of property, although accounts of the number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding some of the reported deaths have varied and remain subject to verification.
Kefas seeks dialogue alongside security action
While directing security agencies to take decisive action, Governor Kefas also tasked local institutions with intensifying efforts towards dialogue and reconciliation.
According to the statement from the SSG’s office, the Sardauna Local Government Council, Traditional Council and other stakeholders are to “intensify dialogue and work closely with security agencies.”
The directive places community engagement alongside the security response, with traditional rulers and other local stakeholders expected to help prevent further escalation and promote peaceful coexistence.
This call comes as stakeholders in Sardauna have also urged residents to reject retaliation, rumours and provocative actions capable of worsening the situation.
Governor commiserates with victims
Governor Kefas expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the incident and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.
He also expressed sympathy to residents who lost property during the violence.
The Governor appealed to residents of Sardauna Local Government Area and Taraba State at large to remain calm and vigilant while continuing their lawful activities.
He further encouraged citizens to embrace the civic responsibility of “see something, say something”, urging them to report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.
Tourism event postponed
As part of the government’s response to the prevailing situation, Governor Kefas has also directed the immediate postponement of the World Tourism Day celebration earlier scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Gembu, Sardauna LGA.
The postponement was also contained in the statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government.
According to the statement, the decision was taken in solidarity with families and communities affected by the Mbara incident and reflects the administration’s position that peace and security must take precedence amid the current situation.
The government said the postponement was in line with Governor Kefas’ commitment to peace and what it described as his administration’s “zero tolerance for violence in any form” across the state.
A new date for the World Tourism Day celebration is expected to be announced by the state government.
The development is significant for the state’s tourism agenda, as Gembu and the wider Mambilla Plateau remain central to Taraba’s efforts to promote its tourism potential. The state has been positioning the Mambilla Plateau as a major tourism destination, including through programmes aimed at attracting visitors and investment to the area.
For now, attention is focused on the security response, protection of residents and property, investigation of the violence and efforts by government and community leaders to prevent further escalation.
The government has called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as authorities work to restore normalcy to the affected communities.
