Emir of Muri denies destroying farmlands in Taraba

The Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida, has denied allegations that he destroyed farmlands belonging to some farmers in Kachalla Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area in Taraba State.

He described the allegations as false and reiterated his commitment to protecting the interests of his people, including the farmers.

The emir was reacting to allegations made by the Mumuye Development Cultural Association Youth Wing through its National President, Ezekiel Augustine.

The association alleged that the emir had destroyed farmland belonging to Mumuye farmers in Kachalla village, but the emir countered that the allegations were false and a calculated attempt to incite a section of the community against him.

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The group claimed that the emir not only confiscated their farmlands but also destroyed their crops. They called on Governor Agbu Kefas to direct the traditional ruler to compensate the affected farmers.

The emir who invited journalists to inspect the farmland and see if crops were destroyed, maintained that the lands in question belong to him and not to the Mumuye community, as claimed by Augustine.

He explained that he bought the land 25 years ago and, as a leader and father to all, allowed those he bought the land from to farm on it free of charge.

He emphasised that he encourages people in his domain to engage in farming, as he is also a large-scale farmer apart from being a traditional ruler. Therefore, he finds it unfair for anyone to accuse him of destroying farmland.

“The allegations made by the president of the Youth Wing of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association are false and a calculated attempt to incite people against me. The fact is that I bought the land in question, and there is a sales agreement dating back over 25 years,” he said.

Elders from both the Mumuye and Kona ethnic groups also spoke with journalists, confirming that the land was sold to the traditional ruler by the Mumuye people and distanced themselves from the allegations and admonished the youths of the ethnic group not to allow themselves to be used by enemies of peace to cause a crisis in the community.