Villagers from nearby Garin Barau in Taraba State’s Zudai District of Bali Local Government Council have accused Aboki Dauda, the council’s chairman, of starting a feud with his neighbours.
In an interview with journalists on Thursday, community leader Mallam Abdul Hassan blamed the council chairman’s violent land seizures for the escalating tensions.
The significance of addressing land issues through proper channels to prevent such conflicts was emphasized by Hassan, who cited previous directions from Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and the state chairman of the council of chiefs, Adda Alli.
The community claims that the hostility has only grown since the council chairman allegedly ignored protocol and did not consult traditional rulers while deciding on land issues under his jurisdiction, even though he had been explicitly told to do so.
However, in response, the chairman justified his actions by stating that the disputed territory was originally part of Kaigama Chiefdom, even if the inhabitants were of Jibu descent.
Dauda insisted that the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs supports his policies.