The Mumuye Cultural Development Association Youth Wing, Taraba state, has demanded a formal apology, and immediate return of all confiscated land by the Emir of Muri, HRH. Abbas Njidda Tafida

In a press conference on Thursday in Jalingo, the cultural group also demanded that the Emir should immediately compensate farmers whose crops were destroyed following his directives, while a commitment from the Emir to foster a spirit of inclusivity and cooperation in line with Governor Kefas’ vision for Taraba state be initiated.

Mr Ezekiel H Augustine, the MCDAYW National Youth President, lamented that the recent actions taken by the Emir of Muri, HRH Abbas Njidda Tafida, regarding farmland in Kachalla village of Ardo Kola LGA of Taraba, did not reflect his status as a leader, and as Emir who is expected to serve all people within the region equitably.

According to the group, the Emir (Abbas Tafida), unilaterally ordered the destruction of crops planted by Mumuye residents of Kachalla village in the Iware council ward of Ardo-Kola local government, justifying his action by citing the political losses of his son, Sadiq Tafida, in some areas of Zing and Yorro local governments during the Jalingo, Yorro and Zing House of Representatives byelection. The group[ also alleged that the monarch labelled the elders of Mumuye land as traitors and betrayers.

“The Emir of Muri brought in tractors to farmlands belonging to the Mumuye residents of Kachalla village in Iware council ward of Ardo-Kola local government and destroyed their crops. His justification was that his son lost the Jalingo Yorro and Zing House of Representatives by-elections in the Minute-dominated areas of Zing and Yorro local governments, so could not live in peace with him.

“He labelled all the Mumuye elders as traitors and betrayers,” The group claimed. 

While describing the Emir’s action as not only unjust but also counterproductive to the principles of unity and development envisioned by Governor Agbu Kefas, the group condemned the paramount ruler’s action and asked Governor Kefas to call him to order.

“As the Chairman of the Food Security Committee, HRH Abbas Tafida’s primary role should be to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all people in the region, regardless of political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case. His actions are anti-people, and where there is no justice, there will be no peace.

“We strongly condemn these actions and urge His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas, to intervene and caution Emir Abbas against further divisive behaviour. 

“We wish to demand that the Emir should immediately tender a formal apology to the Mumuye nation and return all the confiscated land to the rightful owners. He should immediately compensate farmers whose crops were destroyed and initiate a commitment to foster a spirit of inclusivity and cooperation in line with Governor Kefas’ vision for Taraba state,” the group demanded.

While calling on all leaders and residents of Muri Zone to join hands in advocating for justice, unity, and the equitable treatment of all people, the group expressed that the Mumuye people are a peace-loving and accommodating tribe who values harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect.

However, HRH. Abbas Tafida, the Emir of Muri, while reacting to the allegations, denied confiscating nor destroying farm crops belonging to the Mumuye people of Kachala in Ardo-Kola local government.

Mr. Musa Umar, a staff of the palace, who spoke on behalf of the Emir, explained that the land in question was sold to the Emir and documented 30 years ago.

“No, the people are not saying the truth. The Emir bought the farmland 30 years ago and the agreement documents are all there. What the Emir does is, he used to lease the land to the same Mumuye people to farm anytime they come asking for a portion to farm.

“We had given them notice that the king wanted to use the land this year so, no one should farm there again. I went there and discovered that one of them has used part of the farm, though is not even much.

“What the Mumuye people are claiming is not true. If the land belongs to them, how come they come here for land to be leased to them every cropping season?

“We did not destroy any crop. When we took tractor to the farm, we did not even go to where one of them used part of the farm. They used to pay the little money to Umaru Kona who is the Emir’s farm manager to show that the land does not belong to them,” The Emir responded.