There is a growing tension in Taraba State due to allocated parcels of community land being sold without the consent of the host community. The Winlau Youth Development accused the council chairman, Nigeria Jatau, of reallocating land historically owned by the Lau community.
The group claimed that the land was originally given to Christian missionaries in 1950 for educational and religious purposes. However, the disputed land has now been allotted to unnamed federal institutions without the residents’ consultation.
The group, during a press conference in Jalingo, described the act as abuse of power by the local government chairman. Yarima Clement, the association’s general secretary, disclosed that efforts to dialogue with the chairman have received no response.
Clement noted that the chairman’s act is not only a violation of communal trust but also a threat to community peace. Reiterating this, the VP of the group, John Kennedy, expressed that the development will not be accepted without proper engagement.
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The association has therefore called on the state government to conduct a proper investigation concerning the disputed land. They urge the government to reverse the allocation, raising concerns that the chairman’s action could cause instability in the area.
They warned that the issue will undermine the peace the government has been working hard to sustain if taken with levity. It furthered that the state government should uphold justified principles, transparency and inclusiveness about the matter.
Reacting to the accusations, the council chairman has denied any wrongdoing, noting that the land followed protocol before being allocated. He defended himself, saying that the allegations are baseless and aimed at misleading the public.
