The Aku-Uka of Wukari in Taraba state, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Dr Ishaku Adda Ali, has expressed alarm over the security crisis bedeviling the Kwararafa kingdom. Speaking during the 2026 Kwararafa People’s Assembly meeting in Abuja, he said the old Kwararafa Confederacy has been under siege by bandits recently. Several communities in parts of Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Niger have been devastated.
The security crisis has had a severe impact on the affected communities, with farmers unable to go to their farms and traders unable to go to market. The crisis has also led to the displacement of thousands of people, who have been turned into refugees in their own country. Children have been unable to attend school, and elders have seen their ancestral homes reduced to ashes. The Aku-Uka of Wukari said the situation is one that cannot be ignored.
The Aku-Uka of Wukari regretted how his Jukun kinsmen of the defunct Kwararafa confederacy have spent many years divided through political, religious, and ethnic lines. He questioned what excuse his people have in the 21st century for not being able to unite, given that they were able to build a common political house in the 15th century. He emphasized the need for help to address the security crisis.
The Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who was also in attendance, said he was honored to stand before the gathering as a proud son of Kwararafa kingdom and as a Core-Convener of Kwararafa People’s Assembly 2026. He clarified that his role as a core-convener was not an official responsibility of the Taraba State government, but rather a personal one as a son of Kwararafa.
Governor Kefas said the meeting serves as an opportunity for people with a great history to come together to renew their shared vision and agree on how to contribute more effectively to the development of Nigeria. He commended the Aku-Uka of Wukari, who served as the Chief convener of the gathering, and noted that the Kwararafa Heritage does not belong to Taraba state alone or one ethnic group or traditional institution.
The Ohimegye of Opanda- Umaisha kingdom, HRH Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, said the Ebira ethnic group of Nasarawa state were also descendants of Kwararafa empire. He stressed the need for every ethnic group under the Kwararafa kingdom to share and identify themselves wherever they go or reside. He suggested that a symbol of Kwararafa kingdom be mounted in every traditional ruler's palace.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the deputy governors of Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa States, as well as traditional rulers such as the Ona of Abaji, the Andoma of Doma, and the Ohinoyi of Ebira land. The Aku-Uka of Wukari's alarm over the security crisis in the Kwararafa kingdom highlights the need for urgent attention to address the situation.
Key points
- The Aku-Uka of Wukari raises alarm over security crisis in Kwararafa kingdom.
- The crisis has led to displacement of thousands of people and destruction of communities.
- The need for unity and collective action to address the security crisis was emphasized.
