ATTACK: Jabayang Urges Kefas to Enforce Anti-Thuggery Law, End Selective Justice. APGA candidate cites alleged attacks on supporters, calls for impartial investigations and equal application of the law

By Jako Keke [Jalingo Times]October 17, 2026.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Jalingo-Yorro-Zing Federal Constituency, Hon. Innocent Umar Jabayang, has called on Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, to ensure the effective and impartial enforcement of the state's Anti-Thuggery Law, warning against the growing concerns over political violence and alleged selective justice.

Jabayang made the call in an open letter to the governor, in which he expressed concern over alleged attacks on political actors and their supporters, insisting that the law must apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, status or connections.

The APGA candidate recalled that Governor Kefas signed the Anti-Thuggery Law on August 2, 2026, describing the legislation as a measure expected to deter political violence, intimidation and other activities capable of threatening peace and security in the state.

He, however, questioned the effectiveness of the law's implementation, arguing that its significance would be determined not by the ceremony surrounding its enactment but by the commitment and fairness demonstrated by the relevant authorities in enforcing its provisions.

Jabayang specifically cited the reported attack on the APGA governorship candidate on September 17, 2026, during which several supporters were allegedly injured. He expressed concern over what he described as the absence of a publicly visible and decisive response from the relevant authorities following the incident.

He maintained that the incident raised questions about the practical impact of the legislation, urging security agencies to investigate the alleged attack, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces appropriate legal consequences.

The federal constituency candidate also drew the governor's attention to an alleged attack on his supporters shortly after the Santi Yam Festival in Pantisawa, the headquarters of Yorro Local Government Area.

According to Jabayang, information available to his camp suggested that the alleged attackers claimed to be defending Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau. He called for a thorough investigation of the allegation, stressing that no individual should be shielded from accountability because of political connections or claims of loyalty to public officeholders.

He emphasised that the allegations required proper investigation by the relevant security agencies, adding that political affiliation or association with influential personalities should not serve as protection for anyone found to have engaged in violence.

Jabayang further questioned whether the Anti-Thuggery Law was being applied uniformly, warning that any perception of selective enforcement could undermine public confidence in the justice system.

According to him, the law should not be used to intimidate political opponents while individuals perceived to be close to those in power are treated differently.

He insisted that justice must remain impartial, regardless of whether an individual belongs to the ruling party, an opposition party or holds public office.

The APGA candidate said Taraba residents deserved an atmosphere where citizens could freely support candidates of their choice, participate in political activities and express their opinions without fear of intimidation or physical attacks.

He added that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, lawful processes and the ballot box rather than violence, warning that political ambitions should never come at the expense of innocent lives.

Jabayang also urged the state government to move beyond declarations and demonstrate its commitment to public safety through concrete action, including impartial investigations and lawful prosecution of those found responsible for political violence.

He called on the government to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law and guarantee equal protection for all citizens, irrespective of their political differences.

"The government signed the law. The people are now looking to see it enforced," Jabayang stated in the letter.

He reiterated that Taraba State belonged to all its citizens and urged the government to ensure that political interests did not undermine peace, security and the right of residents to participate freely in democratic activities.