By FIBEMI EMMANUEL GASHIKA

Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has postponed the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration scheduled for September 27 in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, following recent communal crisis in the area.

The crisis, which occurred in Mbara Village, Mbamnga District, which reportedly involved Mambilla and Fulani, resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.

The postponement was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Chief Gebon Kataps in Jalingo.

Kataps said 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.

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

“He also ordered the identification, arrest and prosecution of anyone found responsible for the violence, irrespective of their status.

“The governor further directed the Sardauna Local Government Council, Traditional Council and other stakeholders to strengthen dialogue and work with security agencies to prevent further escalation.

“He urged residents of Sardauna and Taraba to remain calm and vigilant while continuing with their lawful activities,” he stated.

Kataps noted that the governor further encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation as part of their civic responsibility. (NAN)