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Gassol Community Accuses Traditional Ruler of Police Harassment, Calls for Investigation

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Kayode Egbetokun

Eleojo Samuel
The people of Gassol community in Taraba State are demanding an immediate investigation into the alleged harassment, arrest, and intimidation of local residents by the police, reportedly at the behest of the Chief of Gassol, Alhaji Idris Yakubu Chiroma, and his influential family members.
The accusations stem from a series of events surrounding a land dispute in the area.

On November 2, 2024, police officers from Zone 3 in Yola, Adamawa State, arrested Babangida Sani, a resident of Gassol, on charges related to his involvement in a protest against the unlawful seizure of agricultural lands by Senator Sanusi Daggash. The protest, which took place in September, had seen several farmers from the district demand the return of their lands, which they claim were unlawfully taken.

The arrest of Babangida Sani has caused uproar within the community, with locals accusing the Chief of Gassol and his family of using their political power and connections to suppress opposition. Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, a spokesperson for the community, described the actions as an abuse of power, accusing the traditional ruler of using the police to silence dissenters.

“We are witnessing a situation where the police are being used as tools to intimidate and terrorize innocent people,” Abubakar said. “It is clear that this is a politically motivated action aimed at crushing opposition to the Chief of Gassol’s leadership and his land-grabbing policies.”

The police reportedly acted on a petition written by Adamu Abdullahi, an associate of Hon. Ja’faru Yakubu Chiroma, a member of the Federal House of Representatives and younger brother to the Chief of Gassol. According to Abubakar, Abdullahi, a resident of Yola, influenced the police in Adamawa State to arrest Sani and others involved in the protest, despite the fact that the Taraba State Police Command should have handled the matter locally.

Abubakar has called on the Inspector General of Police, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant authorities to intervene and ensure the immediate release of Babangida Sani and stop further harassment of Gassol residents. He also expressed concern over reports that the police in Yola have demanded that Sani and the other detained protestors apologize to the Chief of Gassol before being released.

“It’s absurd that the police in Yola have told our people that Babangida Sani and the others must apologize to the Chief of Gassol before they can be freed,” Abubakar said. “This is a clear violation of their rights.”

In a brief statement, Alhaji Idris Yakubu Chiroma confirmed that he was aware of the arrest, adding that those involved in the protest had insulted his character and would have to “suffer the consequences.” He also stated that he had instructed his lawyers to take the matter to court, but made it clear that he would not back down from pursuing legal action against the protestors.

Sources within the police have confirmed that influential individuals from Taraba State have played a role in pressuring the police in Yola to carry out the arrests. These revelations have sparked further concerns about the extent of political influence over law enforcement.

The people of Gassol have vowed to resist further attempts at intimidation, calling for an independent investigation into the conduct of the police and the alleged abuse of power by the Chief of Gassol and his family. They are also demanding the immediate release of those detained and the protection of their rights as citizens of Taraba State.

As tensions rise, the matter has drawn the attention of human rights organizations and political analysts, who are watching closely for a response from national authorities.

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Taraba

Senator Tutare Facilitates Training for 537 Women, Youth in Soap Production in Taraba

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A two-day training program aimed at empowering 537 women and youth from Shira, Yerima, and Sendirde wards in Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, kicked off in Mutum Biyu, the local government headquarters.
The program, focused on bar and liquid soap production, is being implemented by Ladun Global Concept Limited, with support from Senator Abubakar Tutare and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

The initiative, designed to enhance self-reliance and community development, provides participants with practical skills that they can apply in both personal and commercial ventures. At the opening ceremony, Alhaji Isa Gunduma, chairman of the event, urged participants to seize the opportunity to learn and practice the skills being taught.
He emphasized that the training could be a transformative experience for their personal growth and the betterment of their communities.

CEO of Ladun Global Concept Limited, Mallum Abuga, reassured participants that the skills acquired during the training would not only improve their livelihoods but would also contribute to the overall development of their local communities.
He urged them to use the knowledge gained to create sustainable opportunities for themselves and others.

A director at the BCDA, Mr. Nesting Ovie, noted that the training would also cover the production of other household items in addition to soap. He stressed that the goal was to make participants self-reliant and empower them to teach others, thereby spreading the benefits of the program even further.

In her address, one of the program facilitators, Mrs. Hauwa Pogumai, encouraged the trainees to apply their skills with integrity and strive for excellence. She commended the participants for their commitment to the training and the organizers for their dedication to community empowerment.

The training underscores the commitment of Senator Abubakar Tutare, the Border Communities Development Agency, and Ladun Global Concept Limited to fostering skill acquisition and economic empowerment in rural communities across Taraba State.

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Taraba

Why I Pushed for a Kwararafa History Department at Kwararafa University – Dr. Yakubu

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Dr. Andrew Yakubu Laah

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.//.

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Taraba

Save Kwararafa University from imminent collapse, Dr. Kente urges descendants

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Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente

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.///.

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