Jalingo Times.

By Keke,December 1,2025. The Executive Chairperson of Karim Lamido Local Government Council in Taraba State, Hon. Virginia Baba Bambur, has imposed a 24-hour dusk-to-dawn curfew across the area following renewed communal clashes. The curfew, which took effect on Monday, December 1, 2025, will remain in force until further notice. According to an official statement issued by the council’s administration department, the decision became necessary due to escalating tensions and violence in parts of the locality. Hon. Bambur stated that all commercial activities and movement of people have been suspended across the affected communities, including the Karim Lamido Local Government Headquarters, until normalcy is fully restored. The directive also mandates all security agencies—comprising the military, police, civil defense, DSS, and immigration officers operating within the local government—to ensure strict enforcement of the order. The council urged residents to comply with the ...

By Jako Keke, November 30,2025.   The Taraba State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that one of its officers was apprehended while collaborating with criminal elements during an operation in Usmanu, Karim Lamido Local Government Area. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Victor Mshelizah, the Command described the circulating claims as misinformation aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force. According to the statement, the officer at the centre of the controversy was at his legitimate duty post at the Usmanu Outstation and was fully dressed in uniform at the time of the incident. The Command emphasized that he was performing routine surveillance duties in response to unrest in the area when security forces arrived. “At no point was the officer involved in any unlawful activity or association with militia groups or armed elements,” the statement clarified. “He was nei...

By Keke,November 30,2025. As Christians across the world mark the beginning of Advent, the Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke , has called on the faithful to embrace spiritual alertness, renewed hope and deeper commitment to righteous living. In a message released on Sunday, Fr. Muke drew from the Gospel of Matthew 24:37–44, reminding believers of Christ’s call to watchfulness—likening the times to the days of Noah, when many were caught unprepared. He noted that Advent, a period of expectant waiting, offers an opportunity for Christians to “stay spiritually awake and ready.” “Advent invites us to renew our faith, deepen our hope, and prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming,” he said. Fr. Muke urged Christians to carry this consciousness into their daily lives—in their homes, workplaces, and communities—by remaining attentive to God’s presence and responsive to the needs around them. He prayed th...

By Jako. Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised four armed militia members and recovered a cache of weapons following renewed communal violence in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The operation, carried out under Operation Peace Shield , was launched after credible intelligence indicated a fresh outbreak of hostilities in the long-standing land dispute between the Shomo and Wurkun communities. The conflict, which has repeatedly flared over the years, escalated into armed clashes that left several houses and properties destroyed. The statement was issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, on 30 November 2025 to newsmen in Jalingo. According to military sources, the troops were deployed swiftly to the area to halt the violence and prevent further breakdown of law and order. On arrival, they reportedly came under heavy fire from armed assailants emerging ...

By Jako Keke,November 29,2025. The Privilege Pioneer Mister Mumuye International, His Royal Highness Romanus Jachanbi Kassa, has applauded the Member Representing Yorro Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Kannong Kassong, for extending support to students of Yorro origin studying in various tertiary institutions in Jalingo. HRH Kassa gave the commendation in an interview shortly after the lawmaker distributed relief materials to the students at the Arena Theatre of Taraba State University, Jalingo. Expressing delight over the gesture, the traditional figure stated that his joy was immeasurable, noting that Hon. Kassong had embraced and acted upon the ideas he earlier proposed regarding the initiative. According to him, the development was a demonstration of the legislator’s openness and willingness to adopt constructive advice for the benefit of the people. Kassa described Hon. Kassong as a leader who gives listening ears, adding that...

By Jako,November 29,2025. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has voided the suspension earlier announced against former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abel Peter Diah, declaring the action unconstitutional and therefore invalid. Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Jalingo, APC State Public Relations Officer, Hon. Aaron Artimas, said the party’s leadership found that the suspension, announced on 21 November 2025, did not follow due process as stipulated in the APC constitution. According to him, no constitutional guidelines or disciplinary procedures were observed before the action was taken at the ward level. “The purported suspension of Hon. Abel Peter Diah is hereby declared null, void and of no effect, having failed to comply with constitutional requirements,” Artimas said. He added that all rights, privileges, responsibilities and recognitions due to the former Speaker as a bona fide member of the APC have been fully restored. Th...

By Jako Keke,November 29,2025. Member representing Yorro Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Joseph Kannong Kassong, has distributed relief materials to students of Yorro origin studying in various tertiary institutions across the state. The distribution ceremony, held at the Theatre Arena of Taraba State University, Jalingo, attracted dignitaries, community leaders, education stakeholders and hundreds of beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, Hon. Kassong said the initiative was driven by his commitment to support the academic pursuits of students from his constituency and to reduce the economic burden on them. According to him, the gesture aligns with his vision to positively impact the lives of Yorro people, especially the youth who, he noted, hold the key to the area’s development.  He urged the students to remain focused, take their studies seriously and be worthy ambassadors of Yorro Local Government Area and Taraba State at ...

By Keke Jako. The Taraba State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has re-elected Comrade Nathan Solomon as its Chairman for a second term. Solomon was returned unopposed at the end of the Quadrennial Delegate Conference held in Gembu, headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Area. Also elected were Timothy Juyoh as Vice Chairman I, Roland Danjuma as Vice Chairman II, Blessing Joseph Machoko as Deputy Chairman, and Abena Kataps as Treasurer. In his acceptance speech, Comrade Solomon expressed gratitude to the delegates for renewing their confidence in his leadership, assuring them of a “new dawn” for teachers across the state. He reaffirmed his commitment to an open-door administration, describing the conference as an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and renewed dedication to the union’s core ideals. He noted that hosting the event in Gembu was a tribute to the late former chairman, Comrade Jonah Kataps, whom he praised for his unwavering passion for the...

By Jako. The Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), Taraba State Chapter, has inaugurated its newly elected officials. The ceremony, performed by the National Chairman of NOCRELA, Archbishop Johnpraise Daniel, was held at the Deeper Life Camp Ground in Jalingo. Speaking at the event, Archbishop Daniel said the Association is committed to uniting Christians in Northern Nigeria to speak with one voice. He noted that the core mandate of NOCRELA is to advocate for peace, promote togetherness, and collaborate with other Christian bodies in pursuit of national harmony. The National Chairman congratulated the newly inaugurated officials and assured them of continuous support from the national headquarters to ensure the successful execution of their responsibilities. In his presentation titled “Victimisation of Christians in Northern Nigeria: Causes, Preventive Measures, and the Role of Northern Christian Leaders,” the National Director of Legal Aid and Humanitarian Services,...

By Jako,November 27,2025. The 44th Session of the Southern Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Nigeria Episcopal Area, has commenced in Jalingo with a renewed call for unity, revival, and collective action towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. The week-long conference, holding from 26th to 30th November 2025, is themed “Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing.” It has drawn delegates from across the country for spiritual reflection, renewal, and deliberations on issues affecting the church and the nation. Declaring the conference open, the Resident Bishop of the Nigeria Episcopal Area and the District of Senegal and Cameroon, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, urged governments at all levels to galvanize efforts toward ending the persistent insecurity confronting communities nationwide. Bishop Emmanuel noted that despite the harsh socio-economic environment and security concerns, the United Methodist Church in Nigeria continues to experience revival and steady growth....

By Keke,November 27,2025. Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded fresh breakthroughs in the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta, dislodging armed terrorists and recovering 91 rustled cattle during intensified clearance operations across parts of Southern Taraba. The operations, carried out between 24 and 25 November 2025, covered Akesha, Zambana Forest and Ayu Village in Takum and Donga Local Government Areas. According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the operations targeted armed herdsmen and criminal elements responsible for recurring attacks on communities, destruction of farmlands and displacement of residents. Troops, acting on credible intelligence, advanced on the criminals’ hideouts, forcing them to flee on sight. At Akesha village on 24 November, soldiers recovered 91 rustled cattle abandoned by the fleeing suspects while grazing on farml...

By Jako. The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), on Wednesday held a high-level security meeting with key stakeholders in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State as part of renewed efforts to address rising insecurity and communal tensions in the area. The meeting, held at the Palace of the Emir of Ibi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Salihu Danbauro, began at about 2:00 p.m. and drew together community leaders, government officials and security representatives. A cting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army,Lieutenant Umar Muhammad disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists. Top on the agenda were concerns over the infiltration of criminals from neighbouring states, farmland disputes, illegal harvesting of crops, and unresolved chieftaincy disagreements in Dampar, Tapga, Sarkin Kudu and Gidan Kiye communities. These issues, authorities say, have contributed to persistent tensions, loss of l...

By Jako. The Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimeyin, on Monday led a team of senior female police officers on a sensitization visit to the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Jalingo and the Government Secondary School (GSSS) Jalingo as part of activities marking 70 years of women in the Nigeria Police Force. The visit, conducted in partnership with the Taraba State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and accompanied by the Commissioner, formed a key highlight of the nationwide celebration initiated under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.  ASP Victor Mshelizah, Acting Police Public Relations Officer,disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo. The principals of both schools received the delegation warmly, describing the gesture as inspiring and impactful. They commended the Commissioner of Police for prioritizing the welfare and orientation of young students de...

By Jako. Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have recorded yet another significant breakthrough in the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta, with the arrest of a notorious kidnap kingpin terrorising communities in Southern Taraba. The suspect, identified as Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, was apprehended on 23 November 2025 while attempting to flee Wukari Local Government Area. His arrest comes barely 24 hours after troops captured Mr. Umar Musa, another notorious kidnapping mastermind linked to a violent criminal network operating across the region. The report was issued by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, on 24 November 2025. According to military authorities, preliminary investigations indicate that Bawa and Musa are close associates and key figures in a broader criminal syndicate responsible for multiple abductions, coordinated attacks and other violent crimes in Southern Taraba. ...

By Jako Keke,November 23,25. Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested a wanted kidnap suspect in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, marking another major breakthrough in the ongoing Operation Zafin Wuta. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the suspect, Umar Musa Geyi, was apprehended on 22 November 2025 at Jandei-Kulamu following credible intelligence. Geyi, who has long been on the security watchlist, is believed to be a key member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising communities within Wukari and surrounding areas. According to preliminary investigations, the suspect is linked to the abduction of Alhaji Jano, a Fulani resident of the Jandei-Kulala area, who was kidnapped on 13 November and is still being held captive. Troops reportedly intercepted Geyi while he was engaged in a phone conversation confirmin...

By Keke,November 23,2025. The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has called on Christians to deepen their commitment to peace, justice, and compassion as they mark the Solemnity of Christ the King. In a message issued on Sunday, Fr. Muke reflected on the Gospel reading of Luke 23:35–43, noting that Christ’s kingship was revealed not from a royal throne but from the Cross, symbolising mercy, forgiveness, and boundless love. He highlighted the encounter between Jesus and the repentant thief, where the plea, “Lord, remember me,” received the assuring response, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”  According to him, this moment captures the essence of Christ’s reign one that “lifts the broken, restores the repentant, and offers hope in every situation.” Fr. Muke urged Christians to allow Christ’s example to guide their actions and relationships, especially during a period he described as challenging for man...

By Jako,November 23,2025. Worshippers at the Jesus Celebration Worship Center (JCWC), Jalingo, were on Sunday charged to rediscover their spiritual identity and walk boldly in the authority given to them by God. The message was delivered by the Senior Pastor of Jesus Celebration Ministry (JCM), Apostle Gabriel Shitto, during his sermon titled “The Believer’s Identity — You Are Empowered.” Drawing from key scriptures including 1 Peter 2:9, Luke 10:19, and Ephesians 2:6, Apostle Shitto emphasized that many Christians fail to manifest God’s power because they do not fully believe or understand the identity bestowed upon them in Christ. According to him, “Power is not something you chase; it is something you carry." Referencing 1 Peter 2:9, he reminded the congregation that believers are a chosen people set apart for God’s glory. He noted that divine empowerment is an inheritance, stressing that God strengthens those He calls. Speaking from Luke 10:19, the Apostle taught that believer...

By Jako. Headquarters 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has intensified its peace-restoration efforts in Southern Taraba with the launch of a new special operation, Operation Zafin Wuta.  The initiative, which commenced on 22 November 2025, is aimed at reinforcing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle insecurity across Takum and Wukari Local Government Areas. Lieutenant UMAR MUHAMMAD Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 6 Brigade Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists. As part of activities marking the take-off of the operation, the Commander 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, led a high-level delegation on a humanitarian and strategic engagement tour.  He was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Echuseh Audu, and the Chairman of Takum LGA, Mr. Benjamin Bako. The team visited Internally Displaced Persons (I...

By Jako. The United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) Episcopal Area has announced the passing of one of its longest-serving and highly respected clerics, Rev. Ayuba A. Ndule, describing his death as a great loss to the church and the Christian community in Taraba State. Rev. Ndule, revered for his humility, steadfastness and exemplary service, was celebrated as a seasoned seminary teacher, administrator and passionate evangelist who devoted his life to the advancement of the Gospel and the growth of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria. In a condolence message delivered on behalf of pastors, the extended cabinet and members across the Nigeria Episcopal Area—including the mission districts of Cameroon and Senegal—Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel expressed deep sorrow over the “shocking” demise of the veteran cleric. The statement was signed by Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta, Director of Communications, Nigeria Episcopal Area, on behalf of Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel. Bishop Emmanuel conveyed ...

By Jako Keke, November 22,2025. A community leader in Bissaula Ward of Kurmi Local Government Area, Taraba State, Alhaji Idi Ismaila, has decried a fresh wave of violence that disrupted the fragile peace recently restored to the area. He made the remarks during a press briefing where he recounted the latest attack and appealed for urgent government intervention. According to Ismaila, the Bissaula community was thrown into panic on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at about 8:00 p.m., when unknown gunmen, suspected to be members of the Ndaka-Chamba militia, stormed the village and opened fire. Their primary target was said to be Baba Umaru Gambo, a former youth leader of the community and current Commander of the Taraba Marshal in Kurmi Local Government Area. Ismaila explained that Gambo and another resident, Kefas Hassan Bui, were seated outside when the attackers arrived. Both men fled, but the assailants allegedly pursued Gambo, shooting him multiple times and leaving him with...

By Jako, November 21, 2025 The leadership of the Wurkum Chiefdom has applauded the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), for its decisive role in restoring peace and stability in communities affected by recent communal tensions in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. A delegation led by Mr. Iliya Idris, representative of the Chief of Wurkum, paid a courtesy visit to the Brigade Headquarters in Jalingo on Thursday to convey the Chiefdom’s appreciation to the Brigade Commander, officers, and troops. The visit, according to Idris, was prompted by the Army’s “timely and professionally executed intervention” in the crisis involving the Shomo and Wurkum tribes. Idris noted that the swift deployment of troops to volatile areas, especially Usmanu Village, prevented the conflict from escalating into widespread violence. He commended the military for its impartiality, continuous monitoring, and enforcement of law and order, which he said had ...

By Jako,November 21,2025. The People’s Movement Support Group has appealed to former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Professor Jerome Nyameh, to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the party as a credible platform for his political advancement and a viable alternative for the people of Taraba State. In a statement signed by Abdul Usman Gassol and issued on Friday, the group urged the professor to consider the ADC as his new political home following his resignation from the PDP on July 21, 2025. His exit, they noted, came at a time when the PDP was battling what they called a “national internal crisis.” The group highlighted Nyameh’s political influence, recalling his emergence as runner-up in the 2022 PDP governorship primary—a contest they described as keenly fought and reflective of his “widespread acceptability and leadership strength.” According to the statement, Professor Nyameh’s academic pedigree, integrity, intellectual depth...