A group known as the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), have urged the Taraba State government and security forces to expedite efforts in reclaiming communities currently under the control of bandits.
The call comes in the wake of recent brutal killings in the Yangtu Development Area, prompting the KYN to raise an alarm about the alarming rate at which bandits have taken over certain regions in the state.
Led by the National President, Emmanuel Ukwen, the group expressed concern, saying, “It is no longer a secret that some of our local communities have been taken over by mercenaries who continue to occupy our homes, churches, and school buildings.”
They called on the state government, police force, DSS, and other security operatives to reinforce and expedite actions to reclaim the land and restore peace in the affected areas.
The KYN asserted that the unrest in the region has created an environment conducive to criminal activities, leading to an increase in banditry, kidnappings, robberies, rapes, and other atrocious acts.
They also pointed to the unoccupied Ukwe Takum stool as a contributing factor, claiming that the vacuum has allowed various criminal groups to thrive in the state.
Expressing concern about a potential fraudulent bill against the existing customs and traditions of the Ukwe Takum stool, the KYN urged Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas to carefully study its history.
They emphasized that the Ukwe Takum stool cannot be rotated, shared, or relinquished to any person or tribe other than as prescribed by Kuteb customs and traditions.
The group called on the governor to prioritize the appointment of Ukwe Takum by Kuteb Native and Customs before upgrading any newly created chiefdoms in the region.
Acknowledging the pressures faced by the governor from various quarters, the KYN urged him to remain steadfast and not be distracted, warning that allowing distractions could further complicate the already volatile situation.
In light of their concerns about local communities falling into the hands of mercenaries, the KYN stressed the need for urgent and decisive action to address the escalating crisis and protect the affected communities.
