Jalingo Times.

By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times] September 29, 2026. APGA House of Reps flagbearer proposes AI training, sports, vocational skills to tackle youth unemployment Hon. Fanuel D. Lawrence, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flagbearer for the House of Representatives seat representing Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna Federal Constituency, has unveiled plans to establish three Youth Konekt and Tech Hubs across the constituency to empower young people through technology, sports, entertainment and vocational skills.  According to him, the proposed hubs would be equipped with facilities such as five-a-side football pitches, basketball and badminton courts, table tennis and snooker facilities, alongside workspaces and training academies for young people. Lawrence said the initiative was informed by the need to address the economic challenges facing Taraba State, citing figures in his statement which put the state's internally generated revenue at N28.16 billion in 2025, compared ...

By Our Correspondent[Jalingo Times] September 28, 2026. The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has called on Christians to demonstrate genuine faith through actions, obedience to God and service to humanity. Fr. Muke made the call in his Sunday message to Christians on September 27, 2026, drawing lessons from the Gospel of Matthew 21:28–32, which emphasises the importance of obedience through action rather than mere promises. He explained that the biblical account of a father who sent his two sons to work in his vineyard illustrates that genuine obedience to God is demonstrated by doing His will, rather than merely making commitments. According to him, while one son initially refused but later repented and obeyed, the other agreed to go but failed to act, teaching Christians the importance of repentance and translating their faith into practical deeds. The cleric urged Christians to embrace repentan...

  By Our Correspondent[ Jalingo Times] The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, has called on Christians to demonstrate genuine faith through actions, obedience to God and service to humanity. Fr. Muke made the call in his Sunday message to Christians on September 27, 2026, drawing lessons from the Gospel of Matthew 21:28–32, which emphasises the importance of obedience through action rather than mere promises. He explained that the biblical account of a father who sent his two sons to work in his vineyard illustrates that genuine obedience to God is demonstrated by doing His will, rather than merely making commitments. According to him, while one son initially refused but later repented and obeyed, the other agreed to go but failed to act, teaching Christians the importance of repentance and translating their faith into practical deeds. The cleric urged Christians to embrace repentance, change their hearts a...

  By Jako Keke[Jalingo Times] September 26, 2026 The Taraba State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ambassador Charles Tiuda, has dismissed reports that the party’s National Office appointed Richard Dauda as acting state chairman, describing the claim as a misrepresentation of the communication from the national leadership. Tiuda, in a press statement issued to clarify the leadership crisis rocking the party in Taraba State, said no communique was issued by the National Office appointing Dauda to act as chairman. He explained that the Office of the National Secretary had instead directed those involved in the dispute to return to Taraba and await the outcome of their petition, while he would continue to serve as state chairman pending the conclusion of the National Working Committee's (NWC) review. According to him, the national leadership would communicate its final decision to the Taraba State chapter after reviewing the petition submitted against his...

  By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times] September 26,2026. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise has been conducted peacefully across Jalingo metropolis, with residents and sanitation workers turning out to clean their surroundings. The exercise, which lasted from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., witnessed massive participation by sanitation workers of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency (TSESA) and residents. Our correspondent, who monitored the exercise, observed residents sweeping streets, clearing their surroundings and cleaning shop premises at Nasarawo Roundabout, Michelin, Magaji Junction and Mayogwoi. Other areas monitored included Ungwan Gadi, Jalingo Main Market and Works Roundabout, where residents were seen participating in the exercise. Commenting on the exercise, the Chairman of TSESA, Iliya Kefas Alhaji, expressed appreciation to residents for their level of compliance. He urged Tarabans to sustain the spirit of participation by observ...

  By Jako Keke  [ Jalingo Times] September 25, 2026. The Taraba State Government has approved the recruitment of retired military and police officers into the Taraba Marshal to strengthen security operations and enhance crime prevention across the state. Commander of the Taraba Marshal, Cyril Agyole Abeh, disclosed this while speaking with a correspondent in Jalingo . Abeh said the recruitment would expand the operational presence of the outfit across the 17 local government areas of the state and bring experienced security personnel into its operations. He explained that the Taraba Marshal, which previously operated with only one commander, now has commanders in all the local government areas, a development aimed at improving coordination and security coverage. The commander commended the state government for providing logistics, including vehicles and motorcycles, to facilitate the outfit's operations. He also disclosed that personnel had undergone retraining to ...

By Our Correspondent[ Jalingo Times] September 25, 2026. The Taraba State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat A. Barde, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Her Royal Majesty, Hajiya Hajara Shehu Baju II, wife of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju II. Barde, in a condolence message, extended her heartfelt sympathies to the Mambilla Traditional Council, the royal family, and the people of Sardauna and Zing Local Government Areas over the royal mother's demise. The Commissioner described the late Queen as a mother, a pillar of support, and a symbol of peace, unity and compassion whose wisdom, humility and motherly presence would be greatly missed. She noted that the deceased's passing was not only a profound loss to the royal family and the Mambilla people but also to the wider Mumuye Nation, of which she was a beloved member. Barde prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant her eternal rest i...

By Our Correspondent,[Jalingo Times] September 25, 2026. The climate action efforts of Hon. Chief Benjamin Bako have earned him a Humanitarian Award of Excellence as Ecosystem Restoration Activist 2024 for his contributions to environmental remediation and urban greening in Taraba State. The award was conferred on him by the Taraba State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with the Munga Breed Climate Action Foundation. The award plaque, presented to Chief Bako, recognised his contributions to environmental remediation and human development in Taraba State, particularly his personal intervention in restoring vegetation and improving the environment of Jalingo, the state capital. According to an article by Kolawole Omotosho, Editor of Forest Friends Newspaper, Chief Bako, a Lagos-based indigene of Takum, relocated temporarily to Jalingo three years ago at the inception of Governor Agbu Kefas' administration to support the government’s development ...

  By Our Correspondent[Jalingo Times], September 25, 2026. The Taraba State Government has provided immediate relief assistance to victims of the recent communal unrest in Mbamnga, Mbara, Geroji and neighbouring communities in Sardauna Local Government Area. The intervention, carried out through the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), is aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by displaced residents whose homes and properties were destroyed during the crisis, which also claimed lives. The relief materials were presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary of TSEMA, Dr. Echuseh Audu, by the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Benjamin Bala. The Executive Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Council, Hon. M. J. Umar, received the items on behalf of the affected victims. Speaking during the presentation, Bala conveyed the sympathy of the state government to the affected communities and urged community representatives to ensure that the materials were...

JALINGO By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times] ,September 24, 2026 The Accord Party governorship candidate in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Hajiya Hajara Shehu Audu Baju II, wife of the Mambilla traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju II. Professor Nyameh, in a condolence message issued on behalf of himself, his family and his team, extended heartfelt condolences to the monarch, the royal family and the entire people of the Mambilla Plateau over the loss. He described the death of Hajiya Hajara as a painful loss not only to the royal family but also to the Mambilla community and all those whose lives she had touched. The Accord governorship candidate noted that the loss of a loved one, particularly a cherished wife, was a deeply painful experience that words could hardly provide comfort for. He said his thoughts and prayers were with the monarch, the children, family members and the entire Mambilla community at t...

By Our Crime Correspondent[Jalingo Times] September 23, 2026. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Taraba State Command, has arrested three suspected members of a house-breaking gang during a routine motorised patrol and stop-and-search operation in Jalingo. The suspects, identified as Ahmad Nura, 19; Jafar Mohammed, 18; and Joshua Ishaya, 20, were intercepted on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Lankaviri Checkpoint while allegedly travelling out of Jalingo towards Yola. According to the NDLEA, a search conducted by its operatives led to the recovery of three laptops, three iPhones, 10 Android phones, four power banks and one MP3 player from the suspects. The agency said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted to involvement in breaking into houses within Jalingo and stealing valuables. The suspects and the recovered items are being handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and appropriate legal actio...

By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times]. The management of the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo, has assured students of renewed efforts to address security challenges affecting them in Yaggai Community and other areas where they reside outside the college premises. The Deputy Provost of the College, Nurse Kikhando Agyo, gave the assurance while responding to questions from journalists following a protest by students over recent security incidents. Nurse Agyo condemned the reported attack on a students’ hostel outside the college, where armed robbers allegedly invaded the residence and made away with mobile phones and other valuables. He disclosed that one of the students who was reportedly raped during the incident had been admitted to hospital and was receiving medical attention. According to him, the student was in stable condition as of the time of the briefing. The Deputy Provost said the college management was working with the Nigeria Police and other relev...

By Our Correspondent, [Jalingo Times]September 22,2026. The Vice Chairman of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) District Church Council, Reverend Timothy Saleh, has reminded Christians that death is inevitable for all mortals. Reverend Saleh stated this in a sermon during the funeral service of the late Reverend Ephraim Jijingi, Resident Pastor of ECWA Gospel Shavon. Taking his scriptural reading from the Book of Job, Chapter 7, verses 7 to 12, and speaking on the theme, “Who Knows Tomorrow?”, the cleric urged Christians to live lives that please God and shun sinful ways. According to him, those who die in Christ are merely resting and would be resurrected on the last day. Reverend Saleh noted that Prophet Job experienced both favourable and difficult circumstances but remained steadfast in his service to God. He therefore encouraged Christians to remain faithful to God regardless of the circumstances they encounter in life. The ECWA chairman described the late Rever...

By Jako Keke,  [Jalingo Times], September 22, 2026. The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Taraba State Council, has called on the Taraba State Government to urgently strengthen security around the Taraba State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Jalingo, following reported armed robbery and other attacks on students. The NANNM Chairman in the state, Comrade Nathaniel Pius Merigi, made the call when he led officials of the association on a courtesy visit to the Taraba State Ministry of Tertiary Education to register the union's concerns over the security situation affecting nursing students. The visit followed a recent peaceful protest by students of the college, who demanded the immediate commissioning of the institution's hostel and improved security for students living in the Yaggai community. Merigi said the association decided to intervene after visiting some of the affected students and the locations where the attacks reportedly occurre...

By Our Correspondent,[Jalingo Times] September 22, 2026. The Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency (TSESA), Iliya Kefas Alhaji, has announced that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will hold on Saturday, September 26, 2026, across the state. The Chairman, in a statement, said the exercise would commence at 6:30 a.m. and end at 10:00 a.m. According to the statement, vehicular and human movements would be restricted during the exercise to enable residents to participate fully in the sanitation exercise. He urged residents to come out and clean their surroundings, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The statement warned that violators of the state's sanitation laws would be apprehended and prosecuted before a mobile court. The TSESA Chairman therefore called on residents to support the exercise by cleaning their homes, business premises and immediate surroundings for a ...

By Our Religion Correspondent, [Jalingo Times], September 21, 2026. The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Christian Pilgrims Affairs, Hon. Deborah Mathew Seben, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic incident in Wuro Geroji and Mbara communities under Mbamnga Ward, Mbamnga Constituency of Sardauna Local Government Area. Hon. Seben, in a condolence message, condemned the incident, which reportedly resulted in loss of lives and the displacement of innocent residents. She expressed sympathy with families who lost their loved ones and residents forced to flee their homes, describing the development as tragic and distressing. The Special Adviser called on security agencies to take immediate steps to protect residents and restore security in Wuro Geroji, Mbara and neighbouring communities. She also appealed to the Taraba State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management...

By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times], September 21, 2026. The National Union of Taraba State Students (NUTASS) has appealed for calm and peaceful conduct among students, residents and members of the Yagai community following the disturbing security situation involving students of the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo. In a press statement issued on Monday, September 21, 2026, and signed by its President, Comr. Nshukwi Yaje Mary, NUTASS said it was concerned about the reported incidents affecting students and residents in the area. The union urged students, residents and other stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while allowing relevant authorities to address the situation. NUTASS said it understood the anger, fear and frustration generated by the reported incidents but warned against actions capable of further escalating tensions or putting innocent lives and property at risk. The students' body also disclosed that the Taraba State Government h...

By Our Correspondent,[Jalingo Times], September 21, 2026. The Plateau State Government has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas of the state, citing emerging security threats and the need to maintain public order. The directive, which takes effect Monday, September 21, 2026, restricts movement within the affected local government areas from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, the state government said the measure was introduced to enable security agencies to stabilize the affected areas, protect lives and property, and prevent any breakdown of law and order. The government urged residents in the three local government areas to comply fully with the directive and plan their commercial, agricultural and other personal activities around the stipulated hours. Security operatives have also been d...

By Our Correspondent[Jalingo Times],September 20,2026. The Danji SS Campaign Council has raised concerns over alleged attacks, robbery and sexual assault involving students of tertiary institutions in Taraba State, calling for urgent government and security intervention. The campaign council, in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Strategy, Emmanuel Umaru, said it had received reports of persistent burglary, phone snatching, theft, invasion of students’ off-campus residences and attacks involving dangerous weapons around some tertiary institutions. The council specifically expressed concern over reported incidents around the Taraba State College of Nursing Sciences, Jalingo, where students were allegedly attacked and several mobile phones stolen. It also alleged that a female student at the Sambisa Forest Hostel was recently raped, beaten and robbed of her mobile phone after attackers allegedly forced her to disclose her password. According to the statement, the...

By Jalingo Times Correspondent,  September 19, 2026. Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Ijadi Kidariju, has been appointed as the new District Head of Maiva District in Madagali Chiefdom, Adamawa State. The appointment was approved by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, and conveyed in a letter dated September 10, 2026, signed by the Secretary of Madagali Chiefdom, Philipus Emmanuel, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ali Danburam, Ptil Madagali. According to the letter, the traditional ruler directed that the governor's approval of Kidariju's appointment be formally communicated to him. The appointment took effect from September 10, 2026. The monarch congratulated the new district head on his appointment and urged him to demonstrate commitment, loyalty and dedicated service to the people of Maiva District and the traditional institution. He also charged him to discharge the responsibilities of his off...

By Jalingo Times Correspondent,  September 19, 2026. Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Ijadi Kidariju, has been appointed as the new District Head of Maiva District in Madagali Chiefdom, Adamawa State. The appointment was approved by the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, and conveyed in a letter dated September 10, 2026, signed by the Secretary of Madagali Chiefdom, Philipus Emmanuel, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ali Danburam, Ptil Madagali. According to the letter, the traditional ruler directed that the governor's approval of Kidariju's appointment be formally communicated to him. The appointment took effect from September 10, 2026. The monarch congratulated the new district head on his appointment and urged him to demonstrate commitment, loyalty and dedicated service to the people of Maiva District and the traditional institution. He also charged him to discharge the responsibilities of his office with diligence, fair...

By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times] September 18, 2026. The Taraba State Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, has urged members and supporters of the party to embrace peace and responsible political engagement as campaigns intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Shiddi made the call while inaugurating the APGA Campaign Council and unveiling the party’s manifesto, titled “Taraba Rising,” at the Conference Hall of the Catholic Pastoral Centre, Jalingo. The APGA governorship candidate congratulated members of the Campaign Council on their appointments and stressed the need for collective efforts, unity and commitment to achieve the party’s objectives in the 2027 elections. He specifically urged his supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, personal attacks and violence, saying the campaign should focus on presenting the party’s vision and policy proposals to the people o...

By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times], September 18, 2026. The Rotary Club of Jalingo Prestige has honoured the Executive Chairman of Takum Local Government Council, Hon. Bako Benjamin, with its prestigious Merit Award of Excellence, recognising him as the club’s Best Performing Local Government Chairman in Taraba State for 2026. The award, according to the club, was presented in recognition of the chairman’s strides in infrastructural development, security and people-oriented governance since assuming office. The Rotary Club said Bako Benjamin had distinguished himself through visible interventions and development projects across Takum Local Government Area within less than a year in office. It specifically cited the ongoing construction of the Takum Modern Market and a modern abattoir as major projects under the administration, noting that the initiatives were designed to strengthen commerce, create employment opportunities and enhance Takum’s position as an economic centre in sou...

By Jako Keke,  [Jalingo Times] September  17, 2026. The Executive Chairman of Zing Local Government Council, Hon. Evangelist Davoro Titus Gwandis, JP, has commended Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for extending free medical services to residents of Zing Local Government Area, describing the initiative as a people-centred intervention with direct impact on vulnerable citizens. Hon. Gwandis stated this in an interview with our reporter, noting that more than 4,000 residents benefited from the medical outreach. The Council Chairman described the exercise as a “life-touching initiative,” saying it demonstrated the commitment of the Kefas administration to improving access to healthcare, particularly for people who may be unable to afford hospital bills and other medical expenses. According to him, the intervention provided residents with an opportunity to access medical attention free of charge, while reducing the financial burden associated with healthcare. He ...

By Jako Keke, [Jalingo Times] September 17, 2026. The Danji SS Campaign Organisation has condemned an alleged attack on some of its supporters during the commissioning of its campaign office in Jalingo, Taraba State. The incident, according to the organisation, occurred on Thursday at the entrance of the campaign office located in the Nyamusala area of the state capital, where suspected thugs allegedly attempted to disrupt the political gathering. In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Strategy of the campaign organisation, Hon. Emmanuel Umaru, the group alleged that some individuals armed with knives attacked and stabbed some supporters of the APGA governorship candidate, Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS. The organisation described the alleged incident as disturbing, saying it could have undermined what was intended to be a peaceful political gathering. Despite the reported incident, the campaign said the rally proceeded successfully, with a...

By Jako Keke, [Jalingo Times], September 17, 2026. The Member representing Mbamnga State Constituency, at the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah, has condemned the reported deadly incident in Wuro Geroji and Mbara settlements, calling for an immediate security response to protect residents and restore peace in the affected communities. Diah, in a statement on the incident, expressed deep sadness over the reported loss of lives, displacement of residents and renewed fear among communities within the Mbamnga Constituency. He described the development as “painful and deeply disturbing,” stressing that the loss of innocent lives was unacceptable and that the safety and security of residents must remain a priority. The lawmaker commiserated with families who lost loved ones and sympathised with residents displaced from their homes as a result of the incident. He called on security agencies and relevant authorities to immediately deploy adequate personnel to...

By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times] September 16, 2026. The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for ID for Development in Taraba State has called for urgent measures to bridge gaps in National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, warning that millions of residents could remain excluded from essential services without access to legal identity. The coalition made the call in a policy brief issued ahead of the National Identity Day 2026 , with the theme, “Together for a Stronger Nigeria – One Person. One Identity. One Number.” According to the coalition, more than 45 per cent of residents in Taraba State lack a NIN, leaving an estimated 1.2 million or more people without legal identity. It said the situation disproportionately affects women, persons with disabilities, rural farmers and displaced communities. The CSOs identified Wukari, Ibi, Sardauna, Kurmi, Gashaka and Karim-Lamido Local Government Areas as having particularly critical enrolment gaps, attributing t...