The Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), an ethnic group in Taraba State, has alleged that it has uncovered a plot to demolish the long-standing Takum Central Mosque and the Ukwe Takum Palace in Takum town.
Barrister Markus Apwende, the KYN Jalingo branch chairman, disclosed this during a press conference in Jalingo on Sunday, on behalf of the national president, Emmanuel Ukwen.
He appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas and other concerned individuals to intervene in the situation to prevent religious or ethnic disunity in the local government.
According to the Kuteb group, they learnt of the alleged plot but initially ignored it until Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11, 2024.
On these dates, they observed the site engineer for the ongoing construction of T.Y. Danjuma University Takum, who is also the head of (ACC) Construction, in the company of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Takum and some Chamba militia members in vigilante uniforms, marking and pegging the Takum Central Mosque and the Ukwe Takum Palace.
The group alleged that this move was intended to ensure the total elimination of Islamic history in the local government.
“We want the government and security agencies to note that plans are underway by enemies of peace to demolish the Takum Central Mosque and Ukwe Takum Palace in Takum town. We got wind of the wicked plan but initially ignored it until Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11, 2024, when we saw the site engineer for the ongoing construction of T.Y. Danjuma University Takum (a white man), who is also the head of (ACC) Construction, in the company of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Takum, and some Chamba militia in VGN uniform, marking and pegging the Central Mosque and the Ukwe Takum Palace.”
“We wish to inform the whole world that the plot to demolish the Takum Central Mosque is a clear move by enemies of peace to wipe out the historical Islamic worship in Takum Local Government.
“We call on the whole world to note that the Ukwe Takum Palace houses the graves of many past Ukwe Takum who ruled Takum for over a century. It also contains other traditional artefacts that are significant to Kuteb tradition and custom, along with items that must not be tampered with.
“The move to demolish the palace and the mosque is the highest level of provocation against the Kuteb traditional institutions and the right to freedom of worship for all peace-loving people of Takum and its environs.
“The Takum Central Mosque was constructed in 1912 by Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe and subsequently renovated by Ukwe Ali Ibrahim Zorto Kufang (II), both of whom were Muslims. We consider the mosque a part of the history of our past Ukwe Takum, who embraced Islam in Takum.
“Demolishing the mosque is a clear indication that these enemies want to erase this historical Islamic worship centre within Ukwe Takum Palace and distort the rulership history of Takum.
“Takum has witnessed a lot of crises, and tension is already high in the area. We do not want a situation that could lead to a breakdown of law and order or chaos. An appeal against the decision of the High Court of Taraba State regarding the Takum chieftaincy dispute and the preservation of the Palace is currently pending before the Court of Appeal in Yola. As law-abiding citizens, we are bound by the rule of law.”
“We wish to call on the Taraba State Government and Security Agencies to intervene and ensure that nothing happens to the Takum Central Mosque and Ukwe Takum Palace, as any such action would amount to an insult and bastardisation of Kuteb’s cherished customs and traditions, especially since the Palace houses the graves of our past traditional rulers.
“We also appeal to all peace-loving and spirited individuals to intervene and stop this devilish plan. Furthermore, we urge all Kuteb youth to remain calm and law-abiding while we await the authorities’ response on this matter,” the ethnic group appealed.
Meanwhile, the Takum Youth Progressive Group (TYPG), in response, denied the allegations made by KYN.
Mr. Emmanuel Tikari, Secretary of the Takum Youth Progressive Group, expressed that General Danjuma is solely focused on bringing development to Takum and would not sponsor or support any move that could foster disunity along ethnic or religious lines.
He called on the Kuteb people to refrain from blackmailing T.Y. Danjuma in an attempt to gain cheap sympathy.
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