The Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN) has raised the alarm over alleged plans by the Taraba State Government to demolish the Central Mosque in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Additionally, they alleged that the state government has perfected plans to demolish the Ukwe Takum Palace within the same council area.
During a world press conference held yesterday in Jalingo, the group claimed that the government’s actions could escalate religious tensions in the state and the country at large if not urgently addressed.
Led by its national president, Emmanuel Ukwen, the group expressed concern that the mosque, a key religious site for the Muslim community in the local government area, is at risk of being demolished under the government’s urban development plans.
Speaking through the KYN state chairman, Barrister Markus Apwende, Ukwen urged the state government to reconsider its decision, warning of potential backlash from the local Muslim population.
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Calling for peaceful dialogue and respect for religious institutions in the state, the group stated: “We want the government and security agencies to know that enemies of peace are planning to demolish the Takum Central Mosque and Ukwe Takum Palace.”
They alleged that a site engineer, who is also the head of a construction firm, was seen alongside the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Takum and some vigilantes in uniform, marking and pegging the targeted areas
The group urged the federal government and the international community to intervene urgently, viewing the move as “the highest level of provocation against the Kuteb traditional institution, the right to freedom of worship, and other peace-loving people of Takum and its environs.” They noted that the mosque was constructed several decades ago.
They said, “We consider the mosque part of the history of our past Ukwe Takum, who embraced Islam in Takum.” They added that demolishing the mosque would amount to an attempt to erase this historical Islamic worship centre and distort the rulership history of Takum.
The group appealed to relevant authorities to intervene, warning that “nothing must happen to the Takum Central Mosque and Ukwe Takum Palace, as this would amount to an insult and a desecration of Kuteb cherished customs and traditions, especially since the palace houses the graves of our past traditional rulers.”
Although the government has not officially confirmed the demolition plans, those contacted by *The Guardian* promised to respond after reaching out to Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas. However, the allegations, at the time of filing this report, have already sparked public debate and concern.
*The Guardian’s* findings also revealed that religious leaders and community members, especially in the affected council area prone to unrest and insecurity, are engaging in discussions to address the issue and prevent any actions that could lead to further unrest.
