Suspected Kutep militia have allegedly attacked Hausa quarters in Takum town in Takum LGA of Taraba state and killed many Hausa people.

A resident of the area Mallam Yakubu Sani said the militia armed with sophisticated weapons launched the attack on Hausa quarters early Sunday 21/5/2023.

He said the Hausas did not provoke anybody, a group, or any tribe in the Takum area to warrant the unprovoked attacks by the Kutep militia. 

Sani explained that the Hausas were not involved in the crisis between Fulani and Kuteb in the area but the Kuteps transferred their aggression to the law-abiding Hausa community in Takum town. 

“As l am talking to you the attack is still going on and no security deploys to stop the militia from killing the innocent Hausa people inside Takum town,” he revealed.

He claimed that the militia killed thirteen  Hausa travelers along Takum_ Maraba Road, Takum_ Kashimbila Road, and Takum_ Katsina-Ala Road within the last few days.

Yakuku Sani called on the Federal and Taraba state governments to deploy soldiers and police to save the Hausa community from the killings.

The National President of the Kutep Association, Mr. Emmanuel Ukwen when contacted over the alleged attacks on the Hausas by Kuteps, said he is not in Takum town and he would not know what is happening there.

“I am in Jalingo now and l don’t know what is happening there l will find out what is happening,” he said.

Police spokesman, Taraba State Command, SP Usman Abdullahi Jada told journalists that the Kuteps had killed two Hausa people in Takum town and the Hausas revolted against killings and that was what ignited the crisis.

He further stated that soldiers and squadron police have been deployed to Takum town to control the situation. 

The Bauchi state Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Rifkatu Yakubu, has lauded the former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon for establishing and sustaining the scheme.

She made the commendation in Bauchi on Thursday during the celebration of the scheme’s Golden Jubilee.

Yakubu also appreciated all the past Chief executives of the scheme as well as the incumbent Director General, Brig:-Gen. Yushau Ahmed for initiating and approving all the activities lined up in celebrating the golden jubilee.

According to her, the scheme had contributed immensely to revitalise the affinity among diverse nationalities of the Nigeria nation and bolstered the values of respect for the culture, religions and customs being practiced by each of the ethnic groups.

“Over the years, the scheme did not only achieve its objectives but it went extra-miles in setting new milestones.

“In the Area of health, it is not an exaggeration to state that most medical outfits, especially, in the rural areas are manned or run by Corps medical personnel in addition to the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme of the scheme.

“Likewise, in the education sector, NYSC post greater percentage of Corps members to schools to mould the future leaders in various disciplines.

“The scheme has also achieved a lot in addressing the imbalances that exist in the society through the instrumentality of the Community Development and Special project where corps members initiate and execute both group and individual projects,” she said.

Also speaking, Alh. Ahidjo Yahaya, the Director, National Youth Service Corps, Northeast Area Office, said the scheme was established to among others groom Nigerian youths and make them self reliant.

Represented by Mr Emetaram Chapman, Deputy Director, Administration, NYSC Northeast Area Office, Yahaya added that corps members are posted to identify the areas of weaknesses, challenges of their host communities and come up with initiative of how to solve them and improve on the communities.

Some of the activities to mark the occasion included; Exhibition of Skills Acquisition Programme’s products made by the corps members in the state, novelty football match, cultural dances.

Others included; presentation of merit award to some staff of the scheme in the state and award of honour to some distinguished personalities, among others.

In a grand ceremony held at the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic Auditorium in Birnin Kebbi, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) marked its 50th anniversary with a Golden Jubilee lecture, SAED (Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development) exhibition, and an award ceremony. The event was attended by distinguished guests and dignitaries from various sectors of society.

The State Coordinator of NYSC Kebbi State, Mrs Agatha Okolo Banki, while delivering her welcome address, expressed gratitude to the Director General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. YD Ahmed, NYSC Management, Staff, and Corps Members for their dedication to the scheme. She extended a warm welcome to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State and other dignitaries.

Mrs Okolo highlighted the theme of the event, “NYSC: Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development,” and acknowledged the support of the State Executive Council, Corps Employers, and friends and families of the NYSC in Kebbi State. She emphasized the role of the NYSC in nurturing the productive force of the nation—the youths and commended the scheme’s accomplishments in promoting unity and development.

Dr Abraham Tono, a guest lecturer, addressed the audience on the topic “NYSC: Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development.” Dr Tono recognized the NYSC’s significant contribution to the nation and described it as one of the greatest legacies of the military administration. He discussed the advantages of the NYSC, including its role in national development, but also highlighted challenges such as insecurity.

At the SAED exhibition, Corps Members showcased their artistic talents and entrepreneurial skills. The exhibition featured a wide range of creative works, including tie and dye, soap and cosmetics, fashion designs, handmade crafts, and innovative business ideas.

The event featured awards of 3 categories presented to deserving recipients. Staff Merit/Best NYSC Staff award, Best NYSC-friendly Local Government Award, and Best Corps Employer award given outstanding commitment to the NYSC continuous support in implementing programs that benefit both the local community and Corps Members.