By Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has condemned the assassination of the Gara of Chanchagi in Takum Local Government Area of the state Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya and his son Yusuf Kunbiya on Friday evening.
In a statement signed by Mr Emmanuel Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor on
Media and Digital Communications, Governor Kefas described the murder barbaric and urged the security agencies to fish out the the culprits.
Governor Kefas urged residents to remain calm and allow security agencies to do their work as he would leave no stone unturned to ensure justice.
“Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has received with deep sadness the news of the death of the Gara of Chanchagi, HRH, Alhaji Tanimu Kunbiya and his son, Yusuf, Friday evening. Governor Kefas described as tragic the manner in which the late reverred monarch was hacked down on their way from a funeral event in Takum. The governor has since ordered the security agents to immediately investigate the circumstances and go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime. He said everyone involved must be brought to justice as soon as possible.
“The governor, while suing for calm from Takum residents, said he would leave no stone unturned to fetch out the criminals and bring them to justice in the shortest time possible. He reiterated his resolve to rid the state of all acts of lawlessness and brigandage. He stressed that the era of banditry and criminality has ended with all the strong security measures the administration is taking.
“Dr Kefas also condoled with the people of Chanchagi and Takum, stressing the need for all to remain calm and work towards peaceful coexistence.  He said he would continue to work hard with partners at making the state safe for everyone”.
Meanwhile, the Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA) Taraba State has called on the State Government and security agencies to diligently investigate the gruesome murder of the monarch and to bring the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
President General of TCSA Mr James Baka said that the Tiv people of Taraba State are committed to peace and unity and strongly condemns such acts of brutality and criminality in all ramifications.
“We call on the government and security agencies to diligently investigate this murder and bring the perpetrators to justice. As a people,  we are deeply saddened and concerned by this event. We urge everyone to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
“We unequivocally condemn any act of criminality and will never associate with criminal elements. We appeal to His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Governor of Taraba state to deploy security forces to calm the rising tensions in the area. The Tiv people of Takum have long coexisted peacefully with the Chamba and Jukun communities in the area. Never before have we witnessed such a grievous incident. We are committed to maintaining this harmonious relationship and stand united against any acts of violence that threaten our collective peace” Baka said.
Our Correspondent recall that the Monarch, who was returning from a funeral from a neighbouring local government was murdered along the Takum-Wukari road with his son in the late hours of Friday by yet to be identified persons.
Takum has been under intense tension following the alteration of the First Class Stool from Ukwe Takum, which was an exclusive preserve of the Kuteb people, to now Chief of Takum to be rotational among the various predominant tribes in the Local Government.
However, heavy presence of security and continued sensitisation and advocacy for peace have ensured relative peace and calm in the ancient city which is home to General TY Danjuma, a former Minister of Defence.