A wave of tension swept through parts of Taraba State following a dramatic outburst by a group of aggrieved youths, sparking condemnation, arrests, and swift disciplinary action from the apex Mumuye socio-cultural body.
In a strongly worded press release from the office of the President of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA), Retired ASP Anthony Dogo Vowaty, the association distanced itself from what it described as a “reckless and unlawful act” carried out by a handful of misguided youths.According to the MCDA President, the incident began when some Mumuye youths stormed the residence of former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Dr. Jolly Nyame, demanding to see him over rumours that he would not secure the APC senatorial ticket.
While waiting, a message was reportedly relayed to them that the former governor would not be available to meet them.
That response triggered chaos.
In a fit of rage, the youths allegedly vandalized and set ablaze campaign billboards bearing the images of:
The Governor of Taraba State
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
And Rev. Dr. Jolly Nyame himself
The billboards were reduced to ashes in what observers have described as a shocking display of political intolerance.
Following the incident, security operatives swung into action, leading to the arrest of one of the suspected perpetrators.
The MCDA President commended the police for their swift response, emphasizing that law and order must be upheld at all times.
In a tone of deep concern and authority, Vowaty revealed that he personally engaged the youths, questioning the basis of their actions.
“Who told you that he will not be given the ticket? Why take laws into your hands?” he queried.
He stressed that the actions of the youths were:
Not endorsed by Mumuye Cultural Development Association
Not directed at any individual, but rather an affront to the entire Taraba State Government
In a decisive move, the MCDA announced the temporary suspension of its caretaker Youth Wing, pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation.
The President made it clear: discipline and accountability will prevail.
Vowaty issued a passionate appeal for calm, urging youths to embrace dialogue over destruction.
He warned that:
Unauthorized protests could be misinterpreted as politically sponsored acts
Violence only leads to loss and regret
Drawing from history, he cited painful episodes such as:
The “Ali Must Go” protests of 1978
The End SARS protests
Violent crises in Kaduna and beyond
—all of which resulted in tragic loss of lives.
“No crisis has ever brought progress—only pain, destruction, and death,” he stated firmly.
While calling on the Taraba State Government to “forgive and move forward,” the MCDA President maintained that internal disciplinary measures would be enforced.
He assured that:
The association will conduct an in-house investigation
The arrested youth will receive support, but also face appropriate reprimand
Future actions must be cleared with the mother body
Reaffirming the association’s core values, Vowaty concluded:
“MCDA stands for unity, peace, and progress—not violence. Our youths must be law-abiding and responsible. We will not tolerate actions that tarnish our image or destabilize our state.”
PIONEER NEWS 