Kefas postpones Taraba World Tourism Day celebration over communal crisis

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has postponed the World Tourism Day celebration earlier scheduled for September 27, 2026, in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area of the state.

The decision followed the recent communal disturbance in Mbara Village, Mbamnga District, which reportedly involved Mambilla and Fulani-Geroje residents and resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

The postponement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, on Friday.

According to the statement, the decision was taken in solidarity with families who lost loved ones and other victims of the incident.

“The postponement was also consistent with the governor’s commitment to maintaining peace and his administration’s position against violence across the state”, the statement read.

Governor Kefas directed security agencies to immediately move into the affected communities, restore normalcy and ensure sustained peace.

He also ordered security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute all persons found responsible for the violence, irrespective of their status.

The governor further directed the Sardauna Local Government Council, Traditional Council and other stakeholders to intensify dialogue and collaborate with security agencies to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

He urged residents of Sardauna Local Government and Taraba State to remain calm and vigilant and continue with their lawful activities.

The governor also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation as part of their civic responsibility.