Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has condemned the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, declaring that those responsible “will never know peace wherever they are” until the victims are rescued.
Kefas made the condemnation on Wednesday in Jalingo during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Taraba State House of Assembly.
Before unveiling the budget, tagged “2026 Development We Can See” he called for a minute of silence in honor of the abducted girls, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting efforts to secure their release.
Unveiling a N650,6311,790 Billion, budget proposal, the governor said the plan aligns with Taraba’s medium-term development framework and focuses on youth empowerment, security, economic expansion, and improved public services.
“Youths are our greatest strength.In 2026, they will not remain observers. This budget will unlock their energy for productivity, peace, and security”, Kefas said.
Kefas also pledged to block revenue leakages and strengthen governance systems, noting that 6.19 percent of the budget has been earmarked for the health sector.
He expressed confidence that with collective sincerity and commitment, Taraba State would “harvest development that we can all see.”
Responding, the Speaker of the House, John Bonzina, commended the governor’s presentation and assured that the Assembly would give the budget accelerated consideration.
The speaker also called on ministries, departments, and agencies to present themselves promptly for budget defense.
Governor Kefas, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), was said to have earlier postponed the budget presentation due to heightened security concerns following the kidnapping of at least 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
