Mumuye Monarch Drags Lawmaker Kassong Kannong Over Alleged Plot to Split Chiefdom, Extortion

The Paramount Ruler of the Mumuye Chiefdom in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State, Alhaji Ado Adamu Mazang II, has raised serious allegations against the member representing Yorro Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Joseph Kassong Kannong, accusing him of actions capable of destabilizing the chiefdom.

In an official press statement issued from the Mumuye Chiefdom Palace in Pantisawa and signed by his media aide, Malam Idris Abdulrahaman, the monarch called on residents to remain vigilant and cautious over the activities of the lawmaker and his associate identified as Bilyaminu, also known as “Billy Smart.”

The royal father alleged that credible reports received by the palace indicate that the duo are collaborating to exploit members of the community by extorting money under the false pretense of creating new districts, villages and appointing traditional heads (Hakimai).

“As the traditional father of this land, I attempted to engage the Honourable Member directly to discuss these reports and seek clarification. However, he refused to grant me an audience or listen to the concerns of the traditional institution,” the statement read.

Mazang further accused the lawmaker of making unilateral moves to alter traditional structures under the guise of land redistribution. He cited the reported transfer of Gongon Maliki District to Lankaviri Chiefdom, noting that the action directly affects communities in Dankum and Donkin areas within Kassa ‘B’ ward under the Mumuye Chiefdom.

According to him, the development has already generated tension and unrest among residents, warning that such actions are capable of inciting communal conflict and threatening the existing peace in the area.

“These actions are not only unjust but are also clear attempts to incite communal strife and instability within my Chiefdom. I will not sit idly by and watch as my people are marginalized or mistreated,” he stated.

The monarch issued a strong warning to the public to be wary of the alleged activities, stressing that the palace would not tolerate any action capable of undermining the unity, peace and security of the chiefdom.

He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the peace initiatives of Governor Agbu Kefas, emphasizing that maintaining law and order remains paramount.

“If people are not careful, these provocative actions could lead to a major breakdown of law and order,” the monarch warned, while praying for sustained peace in Yorro Local Government Area, Taraba State and the country at large.

As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Kassong Kannong had yet to respond to the allegations.