Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
A group known as Mumuye Cultural Development Association Youth Wing, has accused the Emir of Muri, HRH Abbas Njidda Tafida, for destroying crops and confiscating lands belonging to the people of Kachalla village, Ardokola Local Government Area of Taraba State over alleged refusal to vote for his son, Hon Prince Sadiq Injida Tafida.
The group in a press conference held in Jalingo, stressed that the monarch has unilaterally ordered the destruction of crops planted by Mumuye residents of Kachalla village in Iware of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area for the 2024 farming season.
The National Youth President, MCDAYW, Ezekiel Augustine who read the text alleged that the victims had already paid for their leases on the land to Umaru Kona, the farm manager of the monarch and invested so much on their farms, when the monarch, without prior negotiation or compensation, took in tractors and destroyed the farms, justifying his action by citing the political losses of his son, Sadiq Tafida, in some areas of Zing and Yorro LGA during the by-election that took place in the area recently.
The group claimed that the people had solicited audience with the monarch in order to resolve the matter amicably but unfortunately, he became too emotional and political instead of acting as a monarch.
“We have followed different ways to resolve the matter amicably, but the Emir refused to listen to us. He rather labeled our elders as traitors and betrayers. He termed the Taraba State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon John Kizito and the Deputy Governor, Alh Aminu Alkali as traitors and betrayers who failed to deliver his son during the by-election
“He equally said categorically that untill we bring all stakeholders of Mumuye to beg him before a Mumuye man would become a Senator or member, Federal House of Representatives, adding that he had already drawn a bottom line between himself and the Mumuye people such that no further relationship would exist between the Fulani and the Mumuye people since they refused to vote for his son
“We expected that as the Chairman of the Food Security Committee, HRH Abbas Tafida’s primary role should be to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all people in the region, regardless of political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case. His actions are anti-people, and where there is no justice, there will be no peace,” they stressed.
The president who wondered why a monarch who is supposed to be a father would stoop so low in such maner, noted that such actions are not only unjust but also counterproductive to the principles of unity and development envisioned by His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the State Governor
While calling on all leaders and residents of Muri Zone to join them in advocating for justice, unity, and equitable treatment of all persons to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for everyone in the region inline with governor’s Kefas’ vision for the state, the group demanded that HRH, Injida Tafida should immediately compensate the farmers whose crops were destroyed.
They also demanded that the Emir should tender a formal apology to the Mumuye stakeholders and the affected farmers and return any confiscated land to the rightful owners even as they called for commitment from the Emir to foster a spirit of inclusivity and cooperation inline with the governor’s vision for the state.
“It is in our nature to handle matters in peace. The Mumuye people are a peace-loving and accommodating tribe that value harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect. We prioritize building strong relationships, resolving conflicts peacefully, and creating a sense of community and belonging that is why we are seeking for justice through the office of our father, His Excellency Dr Agbu Kefas who is always yearning for peace and seeking for justice.
“We want to appeal with the governor to intervene in this matter and save the over forty families that are stranded during this raining season and economic hardship,” the group added
The president noted that they had equally tabled a petition in respect to the issue to the office of the Deputy Governor and copied it to the various relevant authorities including the DSS, Police, Human Right Commission, Burreu for LG and Chieftaincy Affairs, all the first class and 2nd class chiefs within our areas, Taraba State House of Assembly and other relevant institutions.
