The Mumuye Cultural Development Association Youth Wing (MCDAYW) has thrown its weight behind the Executive Chairman of Lau Local Government Council, Nigeria, S. Jatau, amid allegations of unlawful land allocation by the Winlau Youth Development Association (WINLAU).

In a statement issued Saturday in Jalingo and signed by its National President, Ezekiel Augustine Hammangabdo, MCDAYW described the accusations as “politically motivated and legally baseless”.

WINLAU had accused Jatau of reallocating a piece of community land near Lau Central Primary School without due consultation or process. In response, MCDAYW insisted that the chairman acted within his constitutional mandate.

Citing Section 1 of the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the group emphasised that local government councils are empowered to control and manage land within their jurisdiction, particularly for public purposes such as education, security, and community development.

“The recent allocation of a portion of land to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is not only lawful but visionary,” the statement said.

“It is a proactive step to strengthen security in Lau, especially at a time when threats to lives and property are on the rise.”

MCDAYW cautioned against “reckless sentiments and politically driven narratives” that could jeopardize the fragile peace in the area. The group urged WINLAU and other critics to verify their claims before going public.

“To allege that the chairman allocated land without considering historical ownership or following due process is not activism — it is reckless political agitation,” the group stated. “Emotion must never be mistaken for evidence.”

The youth body also warned that persistent public defamation of the council chairman could lead to legal action. It called on WINLAU to retract any misleading statements and desist from actions that could incite discord.

“We shall not hesitate to take lawful action on behalf of the youth and people of Lau to safeguard our collective integrity, stability, and adherence to the rule of law,” Hammangabdo declared.

Reaffirming its support for Jatau’s administration, MCDAYW commended his commitment to development and security in the council.