The Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA) has issued a fierce condemnation of an anonymous petition targeting the Paramount Ruler of Atyap Chiefdom, Agwatyap Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya, labelling it a dangerous attempt to disrupt hard-won peace in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
The petition, purportedly authored by “Concerned Residents of Zango Urban,” accuses the Agwatyap of injustices and oppression against Hausa and Fulani communities within his domain, specifically alleging the denial of access to ancestral farmlands cultivated “for over 400 years.”
In a strongly-worded press statement signed by its President, Dr. Samuel T. Achie, ACDA dismissed the petition as “dangerous, provocative, unfounded, and highly divisive.” The association characterized it not merely as an attack on the Agwatyap’s reputation, but as a “direct assault on the peaceful coexistence” painstakingly built in the area with the efforts of communities and governments, including those of Senator Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Key Points from the ACDA Rebuttal:
1. Defending the Agwatyap:
ACDA described Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya as a known “peace-builder and statesman” renowned for championing inclusive dialogue, fairness, and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic and religious groups in his chiefdom, including the Hausa and Fulani of Zango Urban. They stated he is widely recognized by these communities for his generosity, compassion, and fairness.
2. Malicious Intent Alleged:
The association asserted that “disgruntled negligible elements” disguising themselves as concerned residents are unhappy with the sustained peace in Atyap land and Southern Kaduna. ACDA claims these elements aim to create ethno-religious tension, starting with Zangon Kataf.
3. Baseless Allegations:
ACDA categorically denied all allegations of land seizure, targeted harassment, or ethnic oppression. They labeled the claims “entirely baseless, malicious and without any iota of truth,” fabricated to incite hatred and mislead the public. They challenged the anonymous petitioners to publicly prove their allegations.
4. Land Ownership Disputes:
The association clarified that land ownership in Atyap land is individual or familial, not tribal. They stated any land disputes are settled through traditional arbitration or courts, not by incitement or blackmail, and questioned why alleged claimants remain anonymous instead of using established channels.
5. Condemnation of Zango Urban Leadership:
ACDA expressed disappointment that the traditional leadership of Zango Urban District allegedly claimed helplessness in calling the petitioners to order, despite reportedly acknowledging the petition’s falsehood. ACDA viewed this as “tacit endorsement of illegality” deserving reprimand.
6. Demands and Warnings:
The association demanded an immediate retraction of the “inciting and libelous” petition, warning failure would be seen as deliberate sabotage of peace. They called on security agencies to urgently investigate and unmask the petitioners to prevent potential violence.
7. Call for Calm and Support:
ACDA reaffirmed loyalty to the Agwatyap, Zangon Kataf LGA, Kaduna State, and Federal Government, pledging to remain law-abiding. They urged the public to disregard the petition entirely and allow security agencies to act.
The Controversial Petition’s Claim
The petition excerpt quoted by ACDA states:
Agwa Atyap… has chosen to misuse his powers by oppressing the Zango Urban community. Alongside some of his chiefs and prominent Kataf individuals, he has denied our people access to their farmlands, lands which our forefathers have cultivated for over 400 years.
ACDA vehemently rejects this narrative, positioning the Agwatyap as the target of a destabilization plot aimed at reviving “the dark days of communal violence” in the region. They vowed to resist such efforts “with all lawful means available” and called for collective efforts to sustain the current peace. Security agencies are now under pressure from the community to investigate the origins of the anonymous petition.
Dan Zaki Media 