The Aku-Uka of Wukari in Taraba State, Dr Ishaku Adda Ali, has expressed deep concerns over the worsening security situation affecting communities linked to the old Kwararafa Kingdom. He made these remarks at the 2026 Kwararafa People’s Assembly in Abuja. According to Dr Ali, the former Kwararafa Confederacy has recently come under attack by bandits, affecting several communities across Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Niger states.
The violence has resulted in many people being forced from their homes and turned into refugees in their own country. Farmers can no longer access their farms, while traders struggle to go to markets due to insecurity. Dr Ali stated that children can no longer attend school and elders have seen their ancestral homes reduced to ashes. He emphasized that the people need real, sustained help that reaches the suffering communities, not just communiques and conferences.
Dr Ali also expressed regret that the people who once formed the Kwararafa Confederacy have become divided along political, religious, and ethnic lines. He questioned what excuse people have in the 21st century, given that the Jukun, Idoma, Igala, Ebira, Alago, Nupe, Tarok, Angas, Eggon, Mighill, Ohafia, Bekwara, Yala, Gamai, Kare-Kare, and others could build a common political house in the 15th century.
The monarch, who was the chief convener of the meeting, said the gathering aimed to bring together people connected to the Kwararafa heritage. Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas attended the event as a core-convener and stated that his role was not an official responsibility of the Taraba State Government. He emphasized that the assembly was not a Taraba state government program and did not aim to advance any personal, political, or sectional agenda.
Governor Kefas explained that the gathering was an opportunity for people sharing the Kwararafa heritage to renew their common vision and discuss ways of contributing to Nigeria’s development. The Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha Kingdom, HRH Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, noted that the Ebira people of Nasarawa State are also descendants of the Kwararafa Empire. He called on members of the different ethnic groups connected to Kwararafa to continue identifying with their shared heritage.
Alhaji Usman Abdullahi thanked the Aku-Uka for organizing the meeting and expressed hope that its deliberations would lead to a communiqué and further engagements. The traditional ruler emphasized the importance of the gathering in promoting unity and cooperation among the various ethnic groups connected to Kwararafa.
The 2026 Kwararafa People’s Assembly brought together people from various ethnic groups connected to the Kwararafa heritage. The gathering provided a platform for discussions on the challenges facing the communities and the need for collective action to address the issues. The assembly also highlighted the importance of preserving the shared heritage and promoting unity among the various ethnic groups.
Key points
- Dr Ishaku Adda Ali raises concerns over bandit attacks on Kwararafa communities.
- The Aku-Uka of Wukari calls for real, sustained help to reach suffering communities.
- The 2026 Kwararafa People’s Assembly aims to promote unity and cooperation among ethnic groups connected to Kwararafa.
