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Articles by John Mkom
26 killed as bandits attack Taraba village after Juma’at prayers
The calm that usually follows Juma’at prayers in Binari of Taraba was shattered on Friday. For residents of the agrarian community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, located on the bank of the River Benue, the day ended in grief after suspected bandits attacked, leaving 26 people dead. However, the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), neutralised 15 terrorists in a precision air strike north-west of Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Bandits invade Taraba community after Juma’a prayers, kill 26 villagers as residents flee
Residents of Binari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State have fled their homes after suspected bandits launched a deadly attack that reportedly killed 26 villagers, including women and children, shortly after Juma’a prayers on Friday. Several other residents were still missing as of the time of filing this report. Local volunteers have continued search operations in nearby bushes and surrounding areas in an effort to locate those unaccounted for.
26 killed as suspected bandits attack Taraba community
No fewer than 26 people have been killed after suspected bandits attacked Binari, an agrarian community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, on Friday. The attack shattered the calm that usually follows Juma’at prayers in the community, located along the bank of the River Benue. Among the victims were women, children, worshippers who had just left the mosque and members of a local vigilante group whose office is close to the mosque.
Taraba Govt signs MOU with China for solid minerals development
Taraba State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG), China, to establish a framework for strategic cooperation in solid minerals development, heavy equipment supply, infrastructure expansion and technical capacity building. The MoU was signed on 18 October 2026 by Agbu Kefas, the Taraba state Governor and Mr. Hanson Liu, Vice President of XCMG.
Taraba signs MoU with Chinese firm on solid minerals, infrastructure devt
The Taraba State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG), China, to cooperate on solid minerals development, heavy equipment supply, infrastructure expansion, and technical capacity building. Governor Agbu Kefas and Mr Hanson Liu, Vice President of XCMG, signed the MoU after the governor and his delegation paid a high-level working visit to the company’s headquarters in Xuzhou, China.
NEDC plans electric buses and tricycles to cut transport costs in Taraba
The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) plans to roll out mass electric mobility in Taraba State to ease transport costs, create jobs, and tackle environmental pollution. The Commission disclosed this on Monday in Jalingo during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on deploying and operating electric mobility, popularly known as E-Mobility, in the state.
Tompolo’s donation of campaign vehicles boosts Tinubu’s, Kefas’ 2027 campaign in Taraba
Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the recent donation of campaign vehicles by the National Coordinator of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has boosted the 2027 campaigns of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Agbu Kefas in the state.
GSS Wukari set 2000 tackles Gen. Ibrahim over forgery petition against Sen. Jimkuta
The set 2000 of the Government Secondary School (GSS) Wukari has tackled Major General AT Ibrahim (rtd) over a petition he recently submitted against Senator David Jimkuta, alleging that the senator forged his secondary school result, which he submitted to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as his credentials for nomination.
Taraba sanitation agency seeks more funds to fight cholera, malaria
The Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA) has appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas for increased funding to evacuate blocked culverts and expand fumigation to sensitive areas across the state’s 16 local government areas, as part of efforts to prevent cholera outbreaks and curb malaria.
Taraba sanitation agency seeks more funding to fight malaria, cholera
Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA) has appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to increase funding for the agency to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing malaria and cholera across the state. The agency said additional funds would enable it to extend ongoing sanitation, fumigation, drainage clearance and tree-planting programmes from Jalingo, the state capital, to all 16 local government areas. Chairman of the agency, Hon.
2027: APGA guber candidate Shidi unveils agenda, says Taraba’s diversity is strength
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State, Danjuma Shidi, popularly known as Danji SS, has assured the people of the state that if elected, he will turn the state’s diversity into an advantage rather than a weapon against one another. Shidi gave the assurance while addressing party supporters in Jalingo, the state capital, during the inauguration of his campaign team at the weekend.
North East: How insecurity, high transport fare push farmers, low-income earners to the brink
In North Eastern Nigeria, the economic storm is hitting harder than ever. Prices for everyday essentials have skyrocketed, plunging millions more into uncertainty as low-income earners and farmers struggle with the pain of rising fuel pump prices and insecurity. This surge has exacerbated the financial strain on households grappling with skyrocketing costs. Rising global oil prices and domestic challenges have created a perfect storm, leaving many families battling to buy staple foods.
Clashes between Mambila, Fulani communities leave 9 dead hundreds displaced in Taraba
Conflict roots and tragic catalyst Renewed ethnic violence between the Mambila and Fulani communities on the Mambila Plateau, located in the Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, has left nine people dead, including a Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, and widespread destruction of property. The two groups share a history of communal disputes, which previously prompted the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force 23 Quick Response Base in Gembu between 2018 and 2019.
NSCDC probes deaths of arrested miners
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a probe into the deaths in custody of some arrested illegal miners in Niger State. Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, announced that the Deputy Commander-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation is head of the panel. The victims, whose number is yet to be made public, died between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Taraba holds maiden solid minerals investment roundtable
Taraba State Government has organised its first-ever Solid Minerals Investment Roundtable as part of measures to ensure safe and beneficial exploration of the state’s mineral resources. The summit was held at the Banquet Hall of the T.Y. Danjuma House in Jalingo at the weekend.
Taraba holds maiden solid minerals investment roundtable to boost responsible mining
The Taraba State Government has organised its first-ever Solid Minerals Investment Roundtable as part of measures to ensure safe and beneficial exploration of the state’s mineral resources. The summit was held at the Banquet Hall of the T.Y. Danjuma House in Jalingo at the weekend.
Türkiye investors eye Taraba’s farm products in boost for state economy
The Taraba State Government has intensified its international investment drive with prospective investors from Türkiye and other parts of Europe expressing strong interest in the State’s coffee, tea and chocolate value chains.
Taraba LG retirees endorse Kefas, Tinubu for second term
The Association of Retired Local Government Civil Servants in Taraba State has declared support for Governor Agbu Kefas’ bid for a second term, citing improved pensioner welfare and ongoing development projects across the state. The retirees said the implementation of minimum-wage pensions for local government pensioners, which began in June 2026, shows the governor prioritises their welfare and deserves another term to consolidate his achievements.
Residents commend Taraba govt over Project Green Jalingo
Residents of Jalingo, Taraba State capital, have commended the Taraba State government over the massive planting of trees across the major streets of the city in a project called “Operation Green Jalingo”. The mass tree plantation is conducted by the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA), headed by its chairman, Hon. Iliua Kefas. The planting of the trees by the state government is targeted to curb environmental degradation and reduce the effects of climate change in the state.
Taraba Tiv hail APC inclusivity, celebrate state women leader Tor-Mchivga
The Tiv community in Taraba State has celebrated Princess Margaret Seember Tor-Mchivga on her emergence as the State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the appointment as a sign of inclusivity that will boost their participation in politics ahead of next year. Stakeholders said the achievemnet marked increased women and ethnic representation in the state’s governing party structure.
Taraba govt officials complete leadership, peacekeeping training in Jaji
Participants in the Batch B leadership training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State, have commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his commitment to knowledge development in Taraba State. The participants, who completed the one-week training, said the knowledge acquired would positively impact communities across Taraba when they return to their various areas of specialisation.
Ex-SGF Boss Mustapha donates library to Lutheran varsity on 70th birthday
Immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Dr. Boss Mustapha, has donated a library complex he built to the newly established Lutheran University Nigeria, (LUN) Demsa, Adamawa State, as part of activities marking his 70th birthday. At the inauguration on Saturday, Mustapha urged Nigerian youths not to allow their humble backgrounds to define their future, but use their origins as a stepping stone to greatness.
Fed Govt plans technology innovation hub for Taraba youths
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to establish a Technology Innovation Hub in Taraba State to equip young Nigerians with digital skills for the emerging economy. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced this while hosting a delegation from the Taraba State Youth Development Agency (TSYDA), led by its Chairman, Prince Gara Nongha, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
FG to establish technology innovation hub in Taraba to empower youths
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to establish a Technology Innovation Hub in Taraba State as part of efforts to equip Nigerian youths with digital skills for the emerging economy. The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, announced this while hosting a delegation from the Taraba State Youth Development Agency (TSYDA) led by its Chairman, Prince Gara Nongha, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Kefas launches Taraba climate policy, warns of forest, river loss
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has launched the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, warning that the future of its forests and rivers was at stake without collective action. “We are deciding whether our forests will still be standing and whether our rivers will still be flowing,” Kefas said while unveiling the document in Jalingo.
Kefas launches Taraba climate policy, says ‘future of our forests, rivers at stake’
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has launched the state’s Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, calling for collective action to build a more environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient Taraba. Unveiling the document in Jalingo, Kefas said the policy was a decision about the future of the state’s natural resources. “We are taking the decision about the future of Taraba.
CAN Taraba commends Kefas on peace, youth empowerment
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Taraba State chapter has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his efforts to promote peace, provide free education, empower youths, and drive infrastructural development in the state. The commendation was set out in a 13-paragraph communique issued at the end of CAN’s 3-day Ministers’ Conference, held in Jalingo from August 18 to 21, 2026.
CAN commends Kefas over peace, free education youths empowerment in Taraba
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Taraba State chapter has commended Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas for his efforts to instil peace, provide free education, empower youths, and develop infrastructure in Taraba State. The statement by CAN is contained in a 13-paragraph communique issued by the CAN at the end of its 3-day ministers’ conference held in Jalingo, Taraba State, from 18th to 21st August 2026.
Youths laud Tinubu over establishment of Army Division in Taraba
Youths under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Assembly and Taraba People’s Assembly have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 10 Nigerian Army Division in Taraba State. The youths, who turned out in large numbers for a solidarity rally in Jalingo, said the new military formation would strengthen security operations and help address persistent security challenges in Taraba and other parts of the North-East.
NCW demands 50% affirmative action for women in political participation
Minister of Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, addressing newsmen during the 26th National Council on Women Affairs, Child Advancement and Social Development meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State National Council of Women (NCW) has called for a 50-50 affirmative action policy to guarantee greater representation of women in political positions across Nigeria.
‘How to achieve $3tr energy market by 2035’
For West Africa to achieve a $3trillion energy economy by 2035, it needs to harmonize activities, shared data standards, a modern energy contract and infrastructure to drive it. This was the position of a speaker, RHS Advisory Ltd, Chairman, Mallam Suleiman Yahyah yesterday at the West Africa Refined Fuel Market (WAFRFM) Conference 2026 in Abuja.
NCW launches ‘10 Million Women Voices’ committees, seeks equal political opportunities
The National Council for Women (NCW) has inaugurated its “10 Million Women Voices” state working committees across the country, renewing its demand for 50-50 affirmative action for women in political positions.
UMCN bishop donates 45 motorcycles to strengthen rural evangelism across Nigeria
Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), Rev. Emmanuel Ande, has distributed 45 motorcycles to district superintendents to improve evangelism and pastoral outreach in rural and hard-to-reach communities across the country. The motorcycles were presented on Monday during a ceremony held at the Blue Nile Hotel in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
Taraba NULGE hails Kefas over payment of 2015 five-month salary arrears
Former Vice President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Taraba State, Yabkwa Rimamnyang Usman, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for okaying the payment of five months’ salary arrears owed local government workers and retirees since 2015. Yabkwa, who also coordinates former NULGE officials in the state, described the move as a gesture of concern for workers who endured years of hardship over unpaid entitlements by previous administrations.
Ex-NULGE official praises Kefas over payment of five months’ salary arrears
A former Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Taraba State, Comrade Architect Yabkwa Rimamnyang Usman, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for approving the payment of five months’ salary arrears owed local government workers and retirees since 2015. Yabkwa, who coordinates former NULGE officials in the state, described the payment as a welcome gesture to workers who endured years of hardship over unpaid entitlements under previous administrations.
Taraba govt debunks N1.2tr debt claim
Taraba State Government has dismissed claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, that the state is indebted to the tune of over N1.2 trillion under Governor Agbu Kefas. It described the figure as “fake, misleading and aimed at inciting the public.” Bwacha made the allegation in Jalingo while unveiling his running mate. He accused the Kefas administration of plunging Taraba into over N1.2 trillion debts in just three years.
Taraba govt debunks ₦1.2 trillion debt claim
The Taraba State Government has dismissed claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, that the state is indebted to the tune of over ₦ 1. 2 trillion under Governor Agbu Kefas, describing the figure as “fake, misleading and aimed at inciting the public.” Bwacha made the allegation in Jalingo while unveiling his running mate, accusing the Kefas administration of plunging Taraba into over ₦ 1. 2 trillion of debt in just three years.
2027: Kefas picks Zainab Ibrahim as running mate for Taraba governorship election
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Friday officially introduced Hajiya Zeinab Ibrahim, the North-East Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement was made at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo during the 58th birthday celebration of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Kefas unveils Zeinab Ibrahim as running mate for 2027 polls
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Friday unveiled Hajia Zeinab Ibrahim – the APC Women Leader for the Northeast, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. Kefas made the announcement at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo during a visit by the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to celebrate his 58th birthday in the state.
Igbo in Taraba endorse Kefas
The Igbo Community Association (ICA), Jalingo branch, has endorsed Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas for a second term, describing his administration as a turning point for peace, education and business. The branch represents all Igbo residing across the 16 local government areas of the state. In a letter of endorsement signed by the association’s President General, Deacon Michael Adili, the group said the governor had performed well in security and free education.
APC launches 5-day free medical outreach in Taraba to mark Yilwatda’s 58th birthday
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a free, state-wide medical and surgical outreach across Taraba State to provide healthcare services to thousands of residents as part of activities marking the 58th birthday of its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
APC launches free medical outreach across Taraba to celebrate Nentawe’s 58th birthday
All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a statewide free medical and surgical outreach across Taraba State to commemorate the 58th birthday of its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe. The programme, organised under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to provide quality healthcare services to thousands of residents, especially those in vulnerable and underserved communities.
2027: Taraba Igbo Community endorses Governor Kefas for 2nd term
Igbo Community Association (ICA), Jalingo Branch, representing members of the Igbo community across Taraba State, has endorsed Governor Agbu Kefas for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The endorsement was conveyed in a letter signed by the Association’s President-General, Deacon Michael C.
Taraba cracks down on illegal mining, 40 suspects arrested with multi-million naira equipment
Taraba State in North East region is facing rising farmer–herdsmen tensions. Taraba State Government has intensified its clampdown on illegal mining, handing over 40 suspected illegal miners to the state Police Command for prosecution following their arrest in Bali Local Government Area. The suspects were intercepted by the Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce while travelling in four buses along the Jalingo-Bali Road.
Kefas signs three Executive Orders on thuggery, mining, drugs
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has signed three executive orders banning political thuggery, protecting host mining communities and combating drug abuse in the state. He signed the orders at the Executive Chamber of the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, yesterday, describing the move as necessary to strengthen security and safeguard the state’s future.
Kefas signs three executive orders to ban thuggery, regulate mining, tackle drug abuse in Taraba
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has signed three executive orders to ban political thuggery, protect host mining communities, and combat drug abuse in the state. The signing took place at the Executive Chamber of the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo. Speaking after signing the orders, Governor Kefas described the move as urgent and necessary to strengthen security, protect communities, and safeguard the future of Taraba State.
Taraba PDP candidate Bwacha unveils Zakari as running mate
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, has unveiled Aminu Zakari as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. Zakari is from Jalingo Local Government in the northern part of the state, while Bwacha, the governorship contender, hails from Donga Local Government in the southern part.
New Nigerian Army 10 Division will boost security, economic growth in Taraba — Kefas
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has expressed confidence that the newly approved 10 Division of the Nigerian Army, to be headquartered in Jalingo, will significantly improve security and accelerate socio-economic development across Taraba State and neighbouring communities. Governor Kefas stated this on Thursday while receiving members of the Nigerian Army Order of Battle (ORBAT) 2023 Review Committee in Abuja.
Taraba govt, farmers clash over 8,000 bags of fertiliser
The Taraba State Government and farmers in the state are at loggerheads over the whereabouts of 8,000 bags of fertilizer meant for distribution to cooperatives, with officials trading blame and farmers demanding a probe.
Kefas, Alia welcome new Army divisions
Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, and his Benue counterpart, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, have commended President Bola Tinubu for the newly approved 10 and 5 Divisions of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Jalingo and Makurdi. The governors spoke separately, yesterday, nothing that the new divisions would stregthen security and boost socio-economic growth in their areas of responsibilities.
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