Group raises alarm over planned demolition of Palace and Central Mosque
A cultural organisation representing the Kuteb community, the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), has raised concerns about a potential plan by the Taraba State government to demolish the Ukwe Palace and the Central Mosque in Takum.
At a press conference in Jalingo, Mr. Emmanuel Ukwen, President of the Kuteb Association, expressed the community’s strong opposition to the proposed demolition.
He warned that the move is causing tension in the area and could lead to renewed conflict.
Represented by Mr. Markus Apwende, President of KYN, Ukwen emphasised that forces opposed to peace appear to be inciting the Kuteb people. He reported sightings of a foreign contractor accompanied by heavy security and armed militia, marking the Palace and Central Mosque for demolition.
Mr.Ukwen said: “This palace together with the mosque which were built since 1912 and it housed graves of many of our Ukwe Takum who ruled Takum for centuries and died while on throne and were buried in the palace.
“This palace also houses other traditional artefact that were historical to Kuteb tradition and customs as well as other items which should not be tempered with.”
The president also noted that Takum has experienced significant crises and tensions in the past, emphasizing that the Kuteb community is keen to avoid any further conflict.
He mentioned that the matter concerning the Takum chieftaincy is currently before the Court of Appeal in Yola, and underscored the Kuteb community’s commitment to the rule of law, stating they would not engage in any actions that could jeopardize the case’s outcome.
He urged the Taraba State government and security agencies to intervene regarding the proposed demolitions of the Ukwe Palace and Central Mosque to prevent any negative developments in Takum.
He further asserted that any attempt to demolish these sites would be a direct affront to the Kuteb people’s customs and traditions, especially given that the palace contains the graves of their ancestors.
He expressed that no one would stand by while the resting places of their forebears are disturbed without feeling deep distress.
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