Kefas Orders Crackdown on Drug Abuse, Illegal Government Land Occupation

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has directed relevant government bodies to take decisive action against drug abuse and the illegal occupation of government land as part of measures to protect residents, maintain law and order and recover public assets across the state.

The governor issued the directive while inaugurating two bodies — the Governor’s Council on Drug Control and Social Renewal and the Taskforce on the Recovery and Confiscation of Government Lands.

Kefas said the security, welfare and wellbeing of residents remain fundamental responsibilities of government, stressing that his administration would act against activities capable of threatening public safety or undermining social stability.

The two bodies have separate mandates but are expected to address issues the administration considers important to the social wellbeing of residents and protection of government property.

Drug Abuse Gets Government Attention

Speaking on the newly inaugurated drug control council, Governor Kefas described substance dependence as a problem that extends beyond criminality.

According to him, drug abuse should also be understood as a public health and family issue requiring a coordinated, compassionate and sustainable response.

The position suggests that the administration intends to combine intervention and rehabilitation with efforts to address unlawful drug-related activities.

This distinction is important because people affected by substance dependence may require treatment, rehabilitation and social support in addition to enforcement measures targeting the supply and distribution of illegal drugs.

Kefas specifically charged members of the council to pay attention to children and young people affected by drug abuse.

He directed the body to be deliberate in supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration.

The focus on young people reflects concerns about the consequences substance abuse can have on education, employment, family relationships and community life.

Drug dependence can affect not only the individual involved but also parents, spouses, children and other members of the wider community.

For government, addressing the challenge therefore requires interventions capable of responding to both its social and security dimensions.

Traditional and Religious Leaders Included

The composition of the government’s response is also expected to extend beyond public institutions.

Governor Kefas said the involvement of civil society organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders was intended to create a broad-based approach to tackling drug abuse.

These groups can play important roles because of their direct relationships with communities.

Traditional institutions often possess knowledge of developments within their communities, while religious leaders regularly interact with families and young people.

Civil society organisations can also contribute through awareness campaigns, counselling, rehabilitation support and community engagement.

Bringing these stakeholders into the response could help ensure that the fight against substance abuse does not depend exclusively on law enforcement.

The effectiveness of the initiative will, however, depend on how the different participants coordinate their responsibilities.

Government Moves to Recover Public Lands

Alongside the drug control council, the governor inaugurated a taskforce charged with identifying and recovering government lands and properties allegedly taken over or improperly allocated.

Kefas said some public properties had been misused, illegally occupied, allocated or taken over by individuals.

He consequently directed the taskforce to identify affected assets and take steps towards their recovery.

Government land is a public asset and may be required for schools, hospitals, roads, offices, housing schemes and other development projects.

Where such land is unlawfully occupied or transferred, government may face difficulties implementing projects originally intended for the property.

The new taskforce therefore has a potentially important responsibility in determining the status of affected properties and making recommendations to the government.

Kefas also warned individuals involved in the illegal sale or allocation of government property to stop the practice and return public assets in their possession.

Fairness Expected in Recovery Exercise

While directing the taskforce to act firmly, the governor also emphasised fairness.

Members were asked to carry out their responsibilities with seriousness, fairness and firmness while respecting citizens.

They were also directed to make appropriate recommendations to the government whenever difficulties arise during the assignment.

That aspect of the directive will be particularly important as the recovery exercise proceeds.

Land disputes can involve competing claims, historical allocations and documentation requiring careful examination.

A credible recovery process will therefore need to distinguish between genuine legal interests and properties that were actually acquired or occupied unlawfully.

Clear verification of records and adherence to established procedures can help prevent legitimate property holders from being unfairly affected.

Transparency will equally be important if the exercise is to command public confidence.

Kefas Tells Committees Not to Be Intimidated

Governor Kefas also urged members of both bodies to carry out their assignments without intimidation.

He asked them to uphold justice and act in the best interests of Taraba State and its people.

The directive places considerable responsibility on members of the council and taskforce.

For the drug control council, success will require more than arrests or public campaigns. Sustainable results would involve prevention, rehabilitation and efforts to reduce the social conditions that expose young people to substance abuse.

For the land recovery taskforce, the challenge will be identifying government assets accurately and handling recovery in a manner that is lawful, transparent and fair.

Both assignments could become significant tests of the administration’s ability to translate directives into measurable outcomes.

Committees Pledge to Deliver

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated bodies, Nelson Banker thanked Governor Kefas for the confidence placed in their members.

He assured the governor that the committees would work diligently to fulfil their responsibilities and meet the expectations of the state government.

The commitment now shifts attention from inauguration to implementation.

Residents will be watching to see how the drug control council approaches prevention and rehabilitation, particularly among young people.

There will equally be interest in the properties identified by the land recovery taskforce and how the government handles cases involving disputed ownership or allocation.

Implementation Will Determine Impact

The inauguration of the two bodies signals the administration’s intention to confront two different challenges simultaneously.

Drug abuse presents social, health and security concerns, while illegal occupation of public land can affect planning and the government’s ability to protect assets belonging to the state.

Both require sustained action.

For drug control, prevention and rehabilitation could prove as important as enforcement.

Young people struggling with substance dependence may require access to counselling, treatment and opportunities that help them return to productive lives.

Families and communities also need information that enables them to recognise warning signs and seek assistance early.

For government land, proper documentation and transparent administration will be essential.

Recovering illegally occupied property without improving systems for protecting government assets could leave room for similar problems to emerge again.

The administration will therefore need to ensure that recovered properties are properly documented and protected.

Governor Kefas’ latest directive has established the mandate.

The next stage will be demonstrating results.

For residents, success will ultimately be measured by whether the drug control initiative contributes to safer communities and meaningful rehabilitation for affected people, and whether the land recovery exercise protects public property while respecting legitimate rights.

The governor has asked both bodies to act firmly but fairly. How effectively they balance those responsibilities will determine the impact of the initiative.