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.