Senator urges urgent action from Tinubu to address security crisis in Taraba

Senator David Jimkuta, representing Taraba South senatorial district, has made a fervent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to declare a state of emergency in the troubled Takum and Ussa local government councils of Taraba State. The senator believes that such a declaration would play a pivotal role in curbing the ongoing reckless killings that have plagued these local government councils.

Speaking on Tuesday in Wukari council while interacting with journalists, Jimkuta, who also serves as the Senate Committee Chairman on Social Warfare and Poverty Alleviation, emphasized that declaring a state of emergency in these areas is crucial for allowing farmers to return to their farmlands and commence the process of rebuilding their lives. He underscored the unprecedented threat to the region’s food security that has arisen due to the persistent violence.

Revealing the alarming statistic that over 700 persons have lost their lives in the two local councils within three months, Jimkuta stressed the urgency of addressing these killings to prevent the escalation of violence to other parts of the state.

Expressing deep sadness over the prevailing menace, the senator highlighted the disarray caused by banditry activities, affecting over 50 villages in Ussa and Takum. He called upon security agencies to take decisive action and collaborate with local communities to track down the bandits and kidnappers terrorizing the areas.

Jimkuta asserted, “We know where they are; let’s flush them out. These areas are major food producers, and with people displaced and unable to access their villages, we are facing a looming food crisis.”

Residents of the two councils continue to live in fear due to the unabated killings perpetrated by bandits, underscoring the critical need for swift and effective intervention.