Demolition Rummor Plot To Incite War In Takum- Chamba Group

 
•Takum Palace Belongs To State Government, Due For Renovation
•'We will not watch our ancestors' graves being excavated' – KYN



The Chamba Renaissance Group has condemned media reports  against what it called renovation of the Takum Palace,  urging the Kuteb group to allow developments in Takum.

The Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), a cultural umbrella body of Kutep world wide  said it has opposed a planned demolition of Takum Central Mosque and the Ukwe Takum's palace in Takum local government area of Taraba.

However the CRG in a statement said  the rumored demolition was part of plots to cause crisis in Takum Local Government stressing that the Palace belongs to the Taraba State Government and they can decide to do anything with it.

CRG in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Nyatooh Bibonga said the KYN plans to incite religion crisis in the state by promoting narratives that the Central Mosque is the target of the renovation.

"The KYN should know that the Palace is due for renovation, classing it as Ukwe Palace is misleading. The Palace belongs to Taraba State Government and its managed by the Local Council Authority. No tribe or ethnic group can lay claim to government properties.

" We welcome any government intervention that will bring developments to Takum Local Government Area, the proposed renovation of the Takum Palace to a befitting edifice should be embraced by all Takum residents. We will not allow any  ethnic group or tribe to hold Takum from moving forward because of their selfish interests. We want peace in Takum, We welcome all activities that will bring developments to Takum and retored its lost glory."

The National Chairman of the KYN Chief Emmanuel Ukwen stated that the Central Mosque, which has served as a key religious site for the local Muslim community, is at risk due to the government's urban development plans.

Represented by Mr Markus Apwende, Chairman of KYN in Jalingo, Ukwen warned that these actions, if allowed to proceed, could heighten religious tensions in Taraba and beyond.

He said that engineers of SCC Construction Nig. Ltd were seen on Thursday Oct. 10 and 11 which was Friday marking and pegging the Palace and the Takum Central Mosque.
He said that the palace together with the mosque which were built since 1912 housed gravesof the many past Ukwe Takum who ruled for over a century.
He said that the palace housed other traditional artifacts that were historical to Kutep tradition and customs as well as other items which should not be tempered with.
He recalled that Takum had witnessed a lot of crisis and tension, nothing why the Kutep community would not want another round of crisis in the area.
He also recalled that the matter as related to Takum chieftaincy was already at the Court of Appeal, Yola Division, adding that the Kutep as respecters of the rule of law would not do anything prejudicial capable of geopadising the out come of the suit.
He called on the Taraba government as well as security agencies to intervane and ensure that nothing happened to Takum Central Mosque and the Ukwe palace.
According to him, this will be tantamount to insult and bastardisation of Kutep cherished customs and tradition especially that the palace which housed the graves of our past traditional rulers.
"No body whatsoever will sit and watch the graves of his ancestors being excavated and be happy about it,'' he said.


Taraba State Government Addresses Concerns Over Mosque Demolition in Takum


Albaji Hussaini Isma'il, Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Muslim Matters, has issued a statement addressing concerns raised by the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN) regarding the demolition of the central mosque in Takum Local Government.

In his statement, Isma'il emphasized the strong relationship between the Muslim community in Takum and the Taraba State Government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas. He reaffirmed the governor's commitment to unity and progress, stating, "Any demolition that occurs is aimed at promoting the development and welfare of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Takum and beyond."

Isma'il urged the KYN not to exploit the situation for their own agendas, warning that such actions could distract the Muslim community. He encouraged Muslims across Nigeria, particularly in Taraba and Takum, to disregard what he called "baseless rumors" and trust in the administration's dedication to supporting their needs.

He  called on the people of Taraba to continue their support and prayers for Governor Kefas as he works to build a better future for all residents of the state.