The Kuteb Communities of Takum, Ussa, and Yangtu in Taraba South have cried out over continuous attacks on their communities by bandits. Emmanuel Ukwen, the President of Kuteb Yatgso of Nigeria (KYN), expressed concerns that their people might be excluded from the National Census exercise if proactive measures are not taken to stop the marauders.
Ukwen stated that dozens of innocent citizens have been killed by bandits in Takum, Ussa, and Yangtu, with thousands displaced from their homes. He lamented the lack of government intervention, noting the absence of sympathy visits, IDP Camps, or relief materials.
The KYN President warned that about 80% of Kuteb people are farmers and, with the current wave of attacks, farming activities may be grounded, leading to famine in the affected areas. He also highlighted that school activities have stopped in the affected areas for over a year, and there is no free movement of persons due to the risk of attack.
Ukwen called on Governor Darius Ishaku to do more to protect lives and properties, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation. Additionally, he urged the National Population Commission (NPC) to ensure that the affected individuals are not left out during the house numbering and headcount, as they are citizens of Nigeria.
