By Yusuf Olukokun

Youths in Tarabe state have demanded huge compensation from Abbas Tafida, the Emir of Muri over destroyed farm.

These youths under the emblem of Mumuye Cultural Development Association of Taraba state, have issued a letter to this effect, yesterday, June 19, 2024.

Mr. Ezekiel Augustine, President-General of Mumuye Cultural Development Association, pointed fingers at Tafida for destroying varieties of crops planted by Mumuye farmers on a large area of more than 200 hectares.

In a bid to create a united front in the state when it comes to agriculture, Agbu Kefa, Taraba state Governor, appointed the Emir of Muri purposely for peace to reign between herders and farmers.

In the letter copied to the Governor, the Youth group communicated their unexpected disappointment on the actions of the Emir who was appointed by the government to see to food security but rather adding to the problem.

The statement in the letter read in part, “It is on record that the people of Kachalla have been renting your farmland for over (25) years for agricultural purposes through your farm manager, Mr Umaru Kona. After paying for the 2024 rainy season and planting their crops, you ordered your tractors to plough their farms (destroying their crops) and plant grasses for your cows.

“Your actions and dehumanisation have rendered over 40 families farmless. This inhuman act is a clear indication that you value your cows more than human beings.

“One could be tempted to ask, as the chairman of Taraba State Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security, could it be another policy of your committee to destroy crops and plant grasses as a way forward to Agricultural sustainability and food security? If yes, the Taraba Agricultural sector will face food insecurity in the coming years, and your committee will lead us to agricultural doom.

“Mumuye people form 40 percent of the farmers in Taraba state, and your actions in Kachalla village made us lose confidence in you as the state’s food security chairman.

“The entire Mumuye youths are demanding a public apology to our stakeholders from you and reverse your ill statement on Mumuye people within 72 hours. We also demand compensation for the farms and crops you destroyed for the people of Kachalla village in the Iware Ward of Ardo-Kola Local government area in the interest of peace.”