Taraba community seeks gov’s intervention in chieftaincy, land disputes

In a fervent plea to Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, the Nyakwala community of Wukari Local Council has called for urgent intervention in chieftaincy and land disputes threatening the community’s peace.

In a statement issued out, yesterday, in Jalingo, the community implored Kefas to swiftly establish a high-powered committee to probe the appointment of Matar-Fada’s chief.

Additionally, they urged the governor to direct the chief of Bantaje to desist from encroaching on Nyakwala’s land, emphasising its importance for community stability.

Signed jointly by Irimiya Barau and Collins Umar for the Nyakwala community, the statement urged the governor to appoint a new district head from Nyakwala pending the review of the third-class chief status.

Highlighting the alleged contentious appointment of Manu Gani as acting district head of Matar-Fada, subsequently elevated to third-class chief after an 18-year vacancy, the community underscored the appointment as a pivotal issue.

The statement further elucidated challenges stemming from past government decisions affecting the chieftaincy stool of Mata-Fada and the boundary demarcation between Nyakwala and Bantaje, which they deemed critical.

The community raised concerns over an alleged falsified administrative map orchestrated by Bantaje and Matar-Fada leaders, purportedly aimed at thwarting Nyakwala’s efforts to reclaim its traditional stool.

According to the community, the alleged map lacked governmental approval or agency seal, contributing to heightened security threats, including the seizure of traditional fish ponds and encroachment on farmlands.

Nyakwala appealed to the governor to intervene urgently, emphasising the imperative of restoring peace and justice not only in the community but also in the council and the state at large.