Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has issued a stern warning to traditional rulers in the state, cautioning them against the indiscriminate sale of communal lands. According to the governor, any monarch found engaging in illegal or unregulated land sales will face deposition and legal consequences. The warning was delivered during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jalingo, the state capital, on Thursday.
Governor Kefas, while addressing the gathering of chiefs, elders, and community leaders, emphasized that land is a sensitive and critical asset that must be managed with transparency, accountability, and in accordance with the law. He noted that his administration has received multiple reports of traditional rulers selling ancestral lands to individuals and developers without due process or community consent.
“This must stop immediately,” the governor declared. “Traditional rulers are custodians of our heritage and land. Any attempt to commercialize communal land for personal gain will not be tolerated. If you sell land illegally, you will be removed from office.”
To understand the context, land-related disputes have surged in several parts of Taraba, often leading to violence, displacement, and loss of life. Many of these conflicts are reportedly linked to questionable land transactions executed without proper documentation or government approval.
Governor Kefas explained that his government is committed to maintaining peace and ensuring equitable development across the state. However, he stressed that this vision cannot be realized when community leaders engage in unauthorized land sales that exploit their subjects and destabilize local governance.
Moving forward, the governor revealed plans to launch a comprehensive land audit across Taraba State. The audit will verify ownership, usage, and historical claims to ensure fairness and legal compliance. In addition, the state government will introduce stricter regulations for land allocation and sale, particularly in urbanizing areas such as Jalingo, Wukari, and Takum.
Governor Kefas also hinted at deploying digital land registration systems to reduce fraud and improve transparency. “We are in a digital age, and land administration must be data-driven. No more backdoor deals or missing documents,” he said.
While some monarchs welcomed the move, others appealed to the government to create a framework that includes them in official land allocation decisions. His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Sule, one of the longest-reigning chiefs in the state, praised the governor’s initiative but urged for dialogue and collaboration rather than punitive measures.
“We understand the governor’s concerns. But not every land sale is illegal. Let us be part of the solution by sitting at the table when land policy is being shaped,” he said.
