The Kuteb community has raised concerns over alleged plans by the Taraba State government to demolish key historical sites, including graves and artifacts located within the palace of their king (Ukwe) in Takum Local Government Area, to make way for the TY Danjuma University.
Tensions have escalated in Taraba State following accusations that Governor Agbu Kefas intends to demolish the Takum Central Mosque and historical sites to facilitate the university’s construction. The Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), a cultural organization representing the Kuteb people, made these claims on Saturday.
There have been reports of unrest in Takum, with residents fleeing in fear after hearing rumors of the mosque and the Ukwe's palace being targeted for demolition.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jalingo, KYN National President, Chief Emmanuel Ukwen, described the proposed demolition of the mosque and the palace, which have stood since 1912, as a move that could spark fresh conflict. The palace holds graves of former Ukwe rulers and important artifacts integral to Kuteb traditions.
Markus Apwende, speaking on behalf of Chief Ukwen, said the community had witnessed engineers from SCC Construction, along with a Chamba militia, marking the palace and mosque for demolition on October 10 and 11. Apwende called the move an attempt to provoke the Kuteb people, warning that disturbing the sacred sites would be seen as an affront to their heritage.
He also pointed out that Takum had suffered several conflicts in the past and questioned the wisdom of initiating actions that could lead to further unrest, especially with the Takum chieftaincy case still pending at the Court of Appeal in Yola.
Apwende urged Governor Kefas and security agencies to step in to prevent any crisis, stating that demolishing these sacred sites would be a direct attack on the Kuteb people's customs and heritage.
When contacted, the governor's Special Assistant on Communication and Digital Media, Emmanuel Bello, neither confirmed nor denied the allegations but stated that the governor would address the matter at an appropriate time.
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