Kuteb Muslims React Over Proposed Demolition of Mosques in Taraba
By Chuwang Dungs, Jalingo
The Ati Nungtso Kuteb Muslims Development Association in Nigeria has reacted against moves by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, to demolish the Takum Central Mosque built on the premises of the Ukwe Takum palace.
Government officials recently marked the mosque for demolition for the construction of the over 10 hectares TY Danjuma University in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The history of the central mosque dates back to 1914 when the late Ahmadu Gankwe, was the paramount ruler of Takum.
Gankwe, being a Muslim, built the mosque within the premises of the palace to enable him and other Muslim residents to worship.
The mosque was upgraded in 1980 by Aliyu Kufang II, and was commissioned by Dahiru Bauchi, a renowned Islamic scholar.
Governor Kefas, through his Special Adviser on Islamic affairs, Hussaini Ismael, said “the demolition is aimed at promoting the development and welfare of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Takum and beyond, this initiative has been welcomed by our Community”.
The action sparked reactions among the Kuteb nation and Muslim worshippers, across the state and beyond.
Addressing journalists in Jalingo, the state capital on Saturday, the leader of the Muslims association, Maman Mairiga, described the proposed demolition as an attempt to further oppress the Kutebs by Governor Kefas.
He noted that the assertion being peddled by the Chamba Muslims youths that the Kuteb people once demolished a mosque in Takum and killed worshippers, is “malicious and wicked lies,” and urged the public to disregard it.
“We wish to place on record that there are several mosques scattered all over the Kuteb land, e.g. Lissam, Rufu, Kwesati and other Kuteb villages.
“Despite the fact that the Kuteb nation has and is still suffering from banditry attacks, none of these mosques has been tampered with or demolished. As a matter of fact, all these mosques in Kuteb Villages are still standing, functioning and Muslim faithfuls do worship therein peacefully.
“These lies are being propagated to mislead the Muslim Ummah and the general public is wholly hereby debunked.
“It is therefore naive for any person or group of persons to think that Kuteb people once destroyed a Mosque in Takum and killed worshippers.
“It is worthy to note that there is a great contradiction on the proposed demolition of the central mosque and Ukwe Palace as depicted by the S. A. to the Governor of Taraba State on Islamic Affairs and the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation. Whereas the S. A. states: the demolition is aimed at promoting the development and welfare of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Takum and beyond, this initiative has been welcomed by our Community. The Commissioner for Information, Zainab Usman, on the other hand states: that the Government has no plan to demolish the Takum central mosque and the Palace”.
“This variance has placed the Muslim Ummah at a cross road as the Takum Central Mosque is currently undergoing renovation by the Takum central mosque Committee.
“The Committee cannot be renovating the mosque and at the same time be said to have agreed that the same mosque be demolished or relocated.
“We are further calling on the Muslim world to note that a tribal Muslim cannot be said to have the mandate of Muslim Ummah (Community) where people have interest to serve abound in such a Muslim Community.
“The Holy Quran calls such people Munafiquin. Muslim Community should speak for the Muslim Community in Takum.
“We want the entire Muslim Ummah and the World to know that Kuteb Muslims Development Association is a registered wing of Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), an umbrella body of Kuteb World-Wide,
“It is a gross misconception and mischievous for any person or group of persons to think that the influence of KYN is restricted to any region of the world,” Mr Maigari stated.
