The Chakfem Development Association (CDA) has raised alarm over renewed attacks on Chakfem Chiefdom in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, lamenting the continuous killings, displacement, and destruction of farmlands and homes by armed militias.
In a press statement signed by its National Chairman, Yoila Yohanna Yilyuhur, the CDA described the situation as “dark clouds of sorrow, misery and deep concern” for the peace-loving people of the Chiefdom.
“We have once again gathered here under dark clouds of sorrow, misery and deep concern following the persistent and renewed attacks on our law abiding and industrious people of Chakfem Chiefdom, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. These heartless and unprovoked assaults by armed Fulani militias have left behind trails of blood, deaths, ashes, displacement, and unquantifiable despair to its people old and young.”
The association expressed gratitude to Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his developmental projects, especially the Mangun-Chakfem road construction. However, it lamented the slow pace of work, describing the road as nearly abandoned, thereby worsening the hardship of the people, particularly in evacuating displaced persons and responding to security challenges.
It further appealed to the government to ensure the immediate completion and expansion of the road to other remote areas within the Chiefdom to enhance both development and security response.
The CDA decried the forceful takeover of ancestral farmlands by herders, noting that the people of Chakfem, who are predominantly farmers, have been displaced from their main source of livelihood.
“Our farmlands and communities have now become comfortable grazing fields for Fulani herders. Our people, who are predominantly farmers, have been forcefully displaced, while their ancestral farmlands and economic lifelines have now been forcefully occupied and used by the bandits.”
Equally troubling, the group said, was the plight of children in the area, who have been forced out of school due to displacement. It warned that unless urgent interventions are provided, an entire generation of Chakfem children may be lost to illiteracy and hopelessness.
The association urged the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, humanitarian actors, and other stakeholders to prioritize the protection of Chakfem communities, facilitate the return of displaced persons, reclaim illegally occupied lands, and provide educational support for affected children.
“We are a resilient and law abiding people, and we still remain committed to peace, justice, and the survival of our heritage even in the face of this criminality and bestiality. But we cannot do this alone. We need the urgent intervention of government and the support of all peace-loving Nigerians to ensure that Chakfem Chiefdom does not fall and go extinct.”
The statement ended with a call for unity, resilience, and urgent government intervention to prevent what it described as the looming extinction of Chakfem Chiefdom.
