Taraba governor Darius Ishaku has warned traditional rulers in the state not to accommodate criminals in their communities or risk sanctions.

Mr Ishaku gave the warning on Monday in Jalingo during a sensitisation workshop for second class and third class traditional rulers in the state.

The governor further urged traditional rulers to evolve ways of detecting suspicious movements and characters within their communities.

“Do not give refuge to any fleeing criminal; doing so will be at your own peril, support the government’s efforts to tackle criminality.

“Strengthen your synergy with the law enforcement agencies, such synergy is needed for effective crime fighting,” he said.

He said that the state government had plans to create more chiefdoms in order to bring governance closer to the people.

The governor expressed his government’s preparedness to support the armed forces towards effective crime fighting.

Earlier, Bello Yero, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said the Ishaku-led administration had upgraded 11 third class stools to second class status.

Mr Yero said that the current administration had also appointed 39 new third class chiefs.

“So far, there are a total of 49 third class and 12 second class chiefs in the state,” he said.

He therefore urged traditional rulers in the state to key into the state government’s agenda on peace and harmonious coexistence of the  people.