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NAJUWA Calls for Creation of Separate Local Government for Jukun People of Benue
NAJUWA Calls for Creation of Separate Local Government for Jukun People of Benue
By: Michael Mike
Jukun ethnic group in Benue State have demanded for the creation of a separate local government, claiming that they are currently being marginalized in the affairs of the state and are not well represented in the country.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, the National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA)—the umbrella organisation representing all Jukun Wanu people across Nigeria and the diaspora, claimed that it was unfortunate that they are presently referred to as settlers in Benue State because at least a local government is yet to be designated for them.
The President of the association, Engr. Moses Amankye and Secretary General, Musa Atase, who took time to speak, lamented that their “overlords”, the
Tiv, who are immigrants and settlers in Benue state as the areas in which they are presently settled in the state belonged to the Jukun.
They added that: “The Tiv never owe any land in Nigeria, because they never legitimately established any Kingdom, empire, and neither have any military, let alone conquer an inch of Land or people.
“That the land in the 14 Local Government area in Benue state, that is: Makurdi, Guma, Kwande, Vandekya, Ukum, Konshisha, Katsina Ala, Gboko, Logo, Gwer West, Gwer East, Ushongo, Tarka, and Buruku belong to the Jukun. These LGAs were only created in 1976 and thereafter but before the creation, it was under the control of the Riverine Jukun since 1600 till the 1929 when the British criminally imposed Tiv in contrast to the conquest colonial policy.”
While stating that this matter will definitely be challenged in court, they said: “NAJUWA is however not saying that Tiv should pack and live this land but we are saying that the customary right of this Local Government areas rightly belonged to the Jukun, so is the customary right. By the grace of God Almighty, this will be challenged.”
Addressing the press conference themed: “Defending Our Heritage, Seeking Justice, and Upholding Truth Against Falsehood and Fabrications by the TIV, Who Are Mere Settlers in Benue State”, We, the Jukun Wanu, are the descendants of the great Kwararafa Empire, a people with a rich, documented history and a preserved cultural heritage. Our peaceful and accommodating nature is evident in our longstanding relations with neighbouring communities.
“The Jukun Wanu, also known as the Riverine Jukun, are present in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa states. In Benue State, Jukun Wanu are in about 21 communities across Makurdi, Guma, and Logo Local Government Areas. Despite being the original inhabitants and rightful owners of the land now comprising 14 Local Government Areas—currently claimed as Tiv land—we have faced suppression, dehumanization, and inhumane treatment.
“Today, we address the world on these issues. This press conference has become necessary due to persistent intimidation, falsehoods, and land dispossession by the Tiv people. Despite our hospitality in welcoming them centuries ago, the Tiv—now advantaged by numbers, resources, and political power—have systematically seized our lands, renamed our towns and villages, and replaced our traditional institutions with theirs. They have instigated conflicts to erase our existence, yet we have consistently chosen peace over retaliation or any other unlawful means. This press conference is a formal declaration: We will no longer remain silent in the face of oppression.”
They said: “We call on the Federal Government, that it the Office of the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The Senate, the Federal House of Representative; our kith and Kins in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Nassarawa, and the good people of Nigeria to collectively come to our aid by assisting us by creating a Local government for the Jukun in Benue state. We believe this can be achieved if there is will to assist us in our delicate situation.
“Finally, in line with our desire for a creation of Local Government for the Jukun in Benue state, we have already set up a machinery that will pursue that plan by visiting all the stakeholders in the country. This same bodies will be meeting with our stakeholders soon to chat a way forward with all our stakeholders and kins.”
NAJUWA Calls for Creation of Separate Local Government for Jukun People of Benue
Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have attacked Unguwan Namaje, Lukora village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing two residents and rustling an unspecified number of cattle.
Sources said the attack occurred at about 2:50 a.m. on Friday when the bandits stormed the residence of one Abdullahi Yunusa.
According to the sources, three victims were shot during the attack.
“Those fatally injured were identified as Audu Yunusa, 15, and Salisu Yunusa, 23. They sustained gunshot wounds to the stomach and were later certified dead by a doctor.
“Another victim, Isiyaku Yunusa, 25, also sustained serious gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment at Saint Gerard Hospital, Kaduna,”said the sources.
Nigerian troops were immediately mobilised to the scene, while efforts were intensified to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen cattle.
Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community
Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Katsina State says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescued eight victims and confirmed the death of one person in Dandume Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama learnt that on Friday night, yet-to-be identified armed men laid an ambush along Funtua–Mahuta road and opened fire on a moving Golf vehicle with registration number EDT 693 AA, apparently intending to kidnap the occupants.
Sources said that the driver lost control of the vehicle which veered into a farmland.
“APC patrol teams promptly responded, cordoned off the area and engaged the hoodlums in an exchange of fire, thereby rescuing eight victims unhurt,” the sources said.
The sources dded that three other passengers sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries and were rushed to General Hospital, Dandume, where one of them was later confirmed dead.
The sources further said that search and rescue operations were ongoing to trace other passengers who might have scattered into nearby farms during the attack.
Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover AK47 in ambush near Buni Gari
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised a terrorist in a long-range ambush around Ndoksa village near Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama on Saturday that the ambush was conducted following intelligence on the movement of terrorists in the axis.
The source said the troops killed one terrorist during the operation and recovered an AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles.
“The successful ambush is part of the ongoing aggressive operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement, disrupt their logistics, and safeguard communities in the North East,” the source said.
Troops neutralise terrorist, recover AK47 in ambush near Buni Gari
Bandits kill two, rustle cattle in Kaduna community
Tanker explosion kills one in Kaduna workshop
Police rescue eight kidnapped victims, confirm one dead in Katsina
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