“We will not stand idly by and watch the graves of our ancestors being excavated” – KYN

Leaders of the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN) have raised concerns over what they call alleged plans by the Taraba State government to demolish the central mosque in Takum Local Government Council, as well as the Ukwe Takum Palace within the same council.

The alarm, as noted by DAILY POST, was raised over the weekend during a press conference held in Jalingo, the state capital.

KYN, led by its national president, Emmanuel Ukwen, warned that these actions, if allowed, could increase religious tensions in Taraba and beyond.

Accompanied by some of his leaders, Ukwen, who spoke through KYN Chairman, Barrister Markus Apwende, said the central mosque, which has served as a key religious site for the local Muslim community, is endangered due to government urbanization. development plans.

Calling for peaceful dialogue, they stressed the need for authorities to respect the state’s religious and cultural institutions.

“A site engineer, along with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Takum and some individuals in vigilante uniforms, were seen marking and tying off the area around the mosque and the palace,” KYN claimed.

While calling on the government to reconsider its actions, the group, which called the planned demolition “the highest level of provocation,” called on the federal government and the international community to intervene.

“We call on the government and security agencies to intervene and ensure that nothing happens to the Takum Central Mosque and Ukwe Takum Palace as this would amount to an insult and bastardization of the customs and traditions held dear by Kuteb, especially since the palace houses the tombs of our former traditional rulers,” they demanded.

They added: “No one will sit and watch the excavation of the graves of their ancestors and rejoice in it. »

Calling on all young people in Kuteb to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the authorities’ response on this matter, they stressed the need for all peace-loving individuals to intervene to put an end to the “evil plans” they believe they have become necessary.

They said: “Takum has witnessed many crises and tension is already high in the region. We don’t want a situation where there is a breakdown of law and order or chaos.”

Efforts to reach state government officials for comment were unsuccessful as all declined to speak until they received permission from the state’s number one citizen.