By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Mbayongu community of Kaamem in the Manya area council of Takum LGA, Taraba State, has condemned the arrest of its district head, Zaki Terkura Kugba, by operatives of the Nigerian Army led by Sgt. Yohana Emmanuel of Ada Barracks, Takum.
Locals told our correspondent that the military stormed the community on Saturday morning, beating residents indiscriminately.
A youth leader, Mr James Tyona, narrated that the district head was at a meeting with community leaders in a nearby village when he was informed of the soldiers’ presence.
“They invaded our community on Saturday morning, beat people on sight, and later took away Zaki Terkura Kugba with his face tied. They also seized his motorcycle and tricycle,” Tyona alleged.
“On sighting the traditional ruler, the soldiers started beating him until their team leader, Sgt. Yohana Emmanuel, intervened. According to them, they were acting on intelligence that a terrorist known as JC was in the community on a tax collection mission.”
Tyona added that the soldiers searched houses, including that of the district head, but found neither the alleged criminal nor incriminating items. He accused the soldiers of carting away residents’ cash.
“Zaki Kugba has no connection with criminals. On many occasions, he has used his personal resources to support security operations in the area. Ironically, the criminals he has been fighting are now celebrating his arrest. Since his detention, we’ve already received threats demanding mandatory taxes of over ₦20 million, to be paid before October 3.”
He appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, the Commander of 6 Brigade Jalingo, and Governor Agbu Kefas to intervene and secure the traditional ruler’s release.
When contacted, Sgt. Yohana Emmanuel confirmed the operation but declined to comment on the reason for the arrest.
“Yes, we carried out the operation, but I cannot tell you why we arrested the traditional ruler. You can find out from others,” he said.
Repeated calls and text messages to Lt. Umar Muhammad, acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Jalingo, went unanswered at press time.
