Taraba
Muslim Group Condemns Planned Demolition of Takum Central Mosque
Eleojo Samuel Jalingo
The Kuteb Muslim Development Association (KMDA) said that the proposed demolition of Takum Central Mosque by the Taraba State Government is an affront on the traditional worship history of the Kuteb Muslims worldwide.
State Chairman of the Community, Alhaji Bako Mairiga made this known while briefing the media in Jalingo on Sunday.
He recalled that the history of the Takum Central Mosque dated back to 1912 when Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe, who already was Ukwe, was anointed, appointed and installed as the Paramount Ruler of Takum in 1914.
“Being a Muslim, the Kuteb people saw the need to build the Takum Central Mosque next to the Palace of Ukwe Takum to enable him and other Muslims in Takum worship there.
“Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe being a devoted Muslim, his Kuteb brothers all over the 12 surrounding Clans who were already participating in the construction of the Palace fence, assisted in building the Central Mosque, the Worship place of their paramount leader.
“Since then, the Mosque has gone through series of renovations by successive Ukwe Takum culminating in the major one and re-structuring by late Ukwe Aliyu Ibrahim II of blessed memory.
” He actually upgraded the standard of the Mosque which was commissioned by SHEIK DAHIRU USMAN BAUCHI in the 80s. The said Sheikh is still alive and can attest to this,” he said.
Mairiga also debunked the claimed by Chamba Muslim Youth that the Kuteb in Takum once demolished a mosque in Takum and killed worshippers.
“As for the malicious and wicked lies being peddled by the Chamba Muslim Youth that Kuteb people once demolished a Mosque in Takum and killed Worshippers, we call on the entire Muslims and the general public to disregard this.
“We wish to place on record that there are several Mosques scattered all over the Kuteb land e.g. Lissam, Rufu, Kwesati and other Kuteb Villages.
“This is despite the fact that the Kuteb Nation has and is still suffering from banditry attacks, none of these Mosques has been tampered with or demolished.
“As a matter of fact, all these Mosques in Kuteb Villages are still standing, functioning and Muslim faithfuls do worship in them peacefully.
“These lies are being propagated to mislead the Muslim Ummah and the general public is wholly hereby debunked. It is therefore naive for any person or group of persons to think that Kuteb people once destroyed a Mosque in Takum and killed Worshippers,” he said.
Mairiga called on the Muslim world wide to intervene and stop the Taraba government from demolishing the Takum Central Mosque.
He noted the insincerity on the part of the state government as it officials had given inconsistent defence to convince the general public as to why they have proposed to carry out the demolition of the mosque.
“It is worthy to note that there is a great contradiction on the proposed Demolition of the Central Mosque and Ukwe Palace as depicted by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Taraba State on Islamic Affairs and the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation. Whereas the S. A. states:
“I want to clarify that any demolition occurs is aimed at promoting the development and welfare of our Muslim brothers and Sisters in Takum and beyond, this initiative has been welcomed by our Community”.
The Hon. Commissioner for Information on the other hand states:
“Government has no plan to demolish the Takum Central Mosque and the Palace”.
“This variance has placed the Muslim Ummah at a cross road as the Takum Central Mosque is currently undergoing renovation by the Takum Central Mosque Committee.
“The Committee cannot be renovating the Mosque and at the same time be said to have agreed that the same Mosque be demolished or relocated.
“We are further calling on the Muslim world to note that a tribal Muslim cannot be said to have the mandate of Muslim Ummah (Community) where people have interest to serve abound in such a Muslim Community.
“The Holy Quran call such people Munafiqun. Muslim Community should speak for the Muslim Community in Takum.
“We want the entire Muslim Ummah and the World to know that Kuteb Muslims Development Association is a registered Wing of Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), an umbrella body of Kuteb World-Wide, whether in America, United Kingdom, Asian Countries, Arab Counties, Muslim, Christian, Atheists or Traditional Worshippers.
” The KYN is the mouthpiece of all Kuteb Sons and Daughters the World over to stand for, protect and defend the interests of her members. It is a gross misconception and mischievous for any person or group of persons to think that the influence of KYN is restricted to any region of the world,” he said.
Taraba
Illegal arms trafficking foiled: Troops nab gunrunner in Taraba
By Eleojo Samuel Adaji
In a decisive blow against illegal arms proliferation, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended a suspected gunrunner, Alhaji Adamu Usman, in Maraban Gassol, Taraba State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops launched a precision operation on January 13, 2025, storming the suspect’s residence in Gassol Local Government Area. A search of the property led to the discovery of a fabricated submachine gun, suspected to be part of an illegal arms trafficking network fueling insecurity in the region.
Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, hailed the troops’ swift action and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements and restoring lasting peace in Taraba State.
“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its mission to combat illicit arms proliferation. We urge the public to collaborate by providing credible information to help us address security challenges effectively,” Brigadier General Uwa stated.
The arrest highlighted the growing synergy between military intelligence and community cooperation, marking a significant stride in the fight against insecurity in Taraba State.
Taraba
Taraba Cries for Help as Namnai Bridge Remains in Ruins
By Ben Adaji, Jalingo
Months after the collapse of the Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari Federal Highway, cries for intervention from Taraba State have grown louder.
Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central in the Senate, and other stakeholders are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for immediate action to reconstruct the vital infrastructure, which has been out of service since August last year.
The Namnai Bridge, a critical link between southern Nigeria, the North-East region, and the Federal Capital Territory, served as an economic lifeline, connecting Taraba with neighboring states such as Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa. Its collapse after heavy rainfall has severely disrupted social and economic activities, leaving motorists stranded and communities isolated.
In the wake of the collapse, locals and travelers resorted to temporary measures, such as canoes and ferries, to navigate the river. However, businesses and trade in the region have suffered, with vehicles forced to take a 120-kilometer detour via Garba-Chede-Mutum and Jalingo roads, significantly increasing travel costs and time.
Despite assurances from the state government to install a military floating bridge, no action has been taken, leaving residents frustrated.
Residents are questioning why bridges in other parts of the North-East, such as those along the Yola-Gombe and Gombe-Bauchi roads, have been reconstructed, while the Namnai Bridge remains neglected. Senator Haruna Manu highlighted the disparity, calling for equal attention to Taraba’s plight.
Both Senator Manu and Hon. Ja’faru Yakubu Chiroma, who represents Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, have raised the matter on the floors of their respective chambers.
Manu disclosed that he has personally engaged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and emphasized the bridge’s strategic importance, urging the government to act before the rainy season begins.
Chiroma, who mobilized two ferries to aid stranded motorists after the collapse, has also engaged the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for intervention. The NEDC has assessed the damage and promised action, but no progress has been seen on the ground.
Prominent Taraba stakeholders warn that if reconstruction does not commence before the rainy season, Taraba risks being cut off from the rest of the country, with dire economic and social consequences.
They urge President Tinubu to prioritize the Namnai Bridge, just as the federal government acted swiftly to address similar challenges in other states.
As the rainy season looms, the people of Taraba wait anxiously for tangible progress, hoping their cries for help will not go unheard.
Taraba
Taraba Battles Lassa Fever Outbreak, 14 Dead
By Eleojo Samuel Adaji, Jalingo
Taraba State is grappling with an unprecedented outbreak of Lassa fever, which has claimed 14 lives in the last three months.
Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo Dr. Kuni Joseph, disclosed the alarming figures, noting that six of the deaths occurred in just the past week.
According to him, between October 24, 2024, and now, the state recorded 84 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 33 of which were confirmed positive, while nine patients have been successfully treated and discharged, six remain hospitalized at FMC Jalingo.
“This is the first time we are recording such a significant number of cases in Taraba State,” Dr. Joseph remarked, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Efforts to address the outbreak have intensified, with joint meetings held by FMC Jalingo, the Taraba State Ministry of Health, and officials from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The discussions are focused on mapping out strategies to curb the spread of the disease.
Dr. Joseph assured the public that FMC Jalingo is fully equipped with the necessary facilities for managing Lassa fever cases, eliminating the need for referrals.
However, he called for vigilance and community cooperation to prevent further infections.
The ongoing outbreak underscores the need for sustained public health efforts to combat the deadly diseas
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