Violence across communities in Takum Local Council and Yangtu Development Area of Taraba State has been linked to the unoccupied Ukwe Takum stool.

During a world press conference held in Jalingo, yesterday, Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN) asserted that the over 30 years vacuum in the stool was brewing anarchy.

This vacuum, KYN claims, has paved the way for various criminal groups, leading to a rise in banditry, kidnapping, robbery, rape and other heinous acts in the affected areas.

Led by its National President, Emmanuel Ukwen, the group expressed sorrow over the recent killings and emphasised that the traditional stool in question “is the exclusive preserve” of the Kuteb tribe.

The group urged Governor Agbu Kefas to carefully study the history of the Ukwe Takum stool, citing concerns about a clandestine plan to pass a fraudulent bill against the existing customs and traditions of the stool.

KYN insisted that the stool could not be rotated, shared or relinquished to any person or tribe other than as prescribed by Kuteb customs and traditions.

It called on the governor to prioritise appointing Ukwe Takum indigene, in accordance with Kuteb native laws and customs before upgrading any newly created chiefdom in the region.

Expressing the pressure faced by the governor from various quarters, the group urged him to remain focused and not be distracted, emphasising that allowing distractions would amount to further complications in an already volatile situation.

The KYN also revealed concerns about local communities being taken over by mercenaries, who occupied homes, churches and school buildings.

It called for urgent and decisive action to address the escalating crisis and protect the affected communities.