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
Why I Pushed for a Kwararafa History Department at Kwararafa University – Dr. Yakubu
From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo
The former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Pro Chancellor of the Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State, Engr. Dr. Andrew Yakubu Laah said he advocated for the creation of a department of Kwararafa history at the institution to preserve the Kwararafa cultural history as a foundation for a progressive future.
Dr. Yakubu stated this last Weekend shortly after he was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree in Science by the community based university in Wukari.
He explained that understanding historical roots is significant in shaping a promising future, saying, “If we do not know where we are coming from, we may not likely know where we are going”.
The former GMD added that being a descendant of the great Kwararafa Kingdom, inspired him to advocate for the creation of the department, stressing that it will open room for historians across the world to visit the University for more authentic insight on the history of the kingdom.
Dr. Yakubu also explained the need for the Middle belt and other cultures across the country to embrace their rich cultural heritage as a means of positioning themselves as leaders rather than just following the global trend.
“For us to stand out as a unique kingdom, and to compete with other cultures across the globe, we must invest and celebrate our unique cultural heritage.
“While the world should be competing with us as first-generation leaders in culture and creativity, we have abandoned that position. It is time to do things differently by investing in uplifting our culture”, he said.
Dr. Yakubu further pledged to use his connections and experience to rally round support for the development of the University.
“The ultimate aim is to make the university self-sufficient and better positioned to serve the community’s educational needs.
“We will come up with a scheme to enhance the teaching and learning environments within the school and give the students access to high-quality educational opportunities.
The School was founded in 2005 as a community based university, by the Jukun chiefdom, under the leadership of the paramount ruler, the Aku Uka, to
focus on students’ intellectual and moral development.//.
Taraba
Save Kwararafa University from imminent collapse, Dr. Kente urges descendants
From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo
A philanthropist and founder of Mecapacynth International Academy in Abuja and Wukari local government area of Taraba State, Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente, has urged the descendant of the Kwararafa dynasty and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the community-based Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State to meet its academic mission.
Dr. Kente pleaded with all stakeholders to do everything possible to rescue the university from collapsing.
The philanthropist who made the plea shortly after he was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree of public service at the 2nd joint convocation ceremony of the university held at the school premises last weekend said the founders of the institution needed to be encouraged to meet up with their aspiration.
“Let us do our best to make Kwararafa University a place to be proud of,” he said.
The business tycoon thanked the University community, especially the Senate for finding him worthy of the award.
Kente, pledged to continue supporting education and the sustenance of the institution, which is one of first Africa community University.
He said he rejected offers of such awards from five major universities across Nigeria to be honored with a doctorate degree, but decided to accept the one from a university founded by his community because the initiative is so dear to him.
“Ask my aides. I have rejected offers from five universities to be honored with a doctorate degree, but I accepted this one because the university is dear to me and the honour is coming directly from my community. I appreciate the honour and I won’t take it for granted
Dr. Kente, a former financial facilitator on education with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said he has helped in facilitating the building of lecture halls and staff quarters in the institution while working with the commission.
“Asides from that I have personally built structures in the University and I have a scholarship program in the University through my foundation, DSK foundation “said.
Kente added, he would continue to deploy his God-given ability of working hard to achieve positive and admirable results in the country’s educational landscape, especially in the Kwararafa University.
He disclosed that the Kwararafa University was conceived by the five local governments in Southern Taraba, but nurtured by only a few people.”
“It was through the collective efforts of some stakeholders, including the staff and students that the university is surviving, I am calling on all the descendants of the great Kwararafa empire and all well meaning Nigerians to help the university attain its vision and projection.”
Apart from Chief Dr. Kente, notable individuals also received awards including Attah Igala, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II who was awarded with doctor of letters and former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Engr Andrew Yakubu, was awarded doctor of science.///.
Taraba
Taraba: Army Arrests 12 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover 14 Motorcycles, Pistol, Bags of Indian Hemp
From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers and recovered 14 motorcycles, a locally fabricated pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp in its operations within Taraba State.
This was contained in a Press Release signed by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations of the 6 Brigade in Jalingo on Tuesday.
“Following a distress call from the residents of Chanchanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles on 7 November 2024. Acting immediately, troops launched a rapid response operation aimed at rescuing the victims and intercepting the kidnappers.
“Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp”.
According to capt. Oni the troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.
“In a subsequent follow-up operation which was based on credible intelligence, troops on 9 November 24 arrested 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village close to Agu Center.
“During an intensive investigation, the troops arrested the suspects who upon interrogation. admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states”.
The suspects, according to the acting Director Army public Relations the suspects further confessed that Veior was with them at Agu center on 5 November 2024 before the killing of two locals and abduction of two individuals on 6th and 7th November, respectively at Chanchanji village in Takum local government.
“They suspects added that Veior was displeased with the locals in Chanchanji, hence he want to ensure that the market is closed down by putting fear and terror in the mind of both buyers and sellers”.
The Release commended the efforts of local residents for their cooperation, encouraging them to continue providing timely and credible information to facilitate security operations.
Captain Olubodunde Oni stressed that 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities within its area of operation.
He therefore advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies in their area///.
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