A group known as the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria has urgently called upon the Taraba State government and security forces to take immediate action in reclaiming communities that have fallen under the control of bandits.
The plea follows a series of brutal killings in the Yangtu Development Area, prompting the KYN to raise an alarm regarding the increasing dominance of bandits in certain regions of the state.
The National President of the KYN, Emmanuel Ukwen, expressed deep concern, stating, “It is no longer a secret that some of our local communities have been taken over by mercenaries who continue to occupy our homes, churches, and school buildings.”
The group emphasized the urgent need for the state government, police force, DSS, and other security operatives to reinforce their efforts and expedite actions to reclaim the land and restore peace in the affected areas.
Attributing the rise in criminal activities to the unrest in the region, the KYN highlighted incidents of banditry, kidnappings, robberies, rapes, and other atrocious acts. They pointed to the unoccupied Ukwe Takum stool as a contributing factor, claiming that this vacuum has provided a breeding ground for various criminal groups in the state.
Expressing concern about a potential threat to the existing customs and traditions of the Ukwe Takum stool, the KYN urged Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas to carefully study its history.
They emphasized that the Ukwe Takum stool cannot be rotated, shared, or relinquished to any person or tribe other than as prescribed by Kuteb customs and traditions.
The group further called on the governor to prioritize the appointment of Ukwe Takum by Kuteb Native and Customs before considering the elevation of any newly created chiefdoms in the region.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the governor, the KYN urged him to remain steadfast and avoid distractions, warning that allowing distractions could exacerbate the already volatile situation.
Expressing their deep concerns about local communities falling into the hands of mercenaries, the KYN stressed the need for urgent and decisive action to address the escalating crisis and protect the affected communities.
