The lingering land dispute between the Maya and Bille communities in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State has taken a new dimension, as youth groups from both sides have called on the state government to intervene urgently to avert violence.
At a press conference in Yola on Monday, the Maya Youth Progressive Association (MAYOPA) alleged that youths from the Bille community recently invaded several Maya villages, harassed residents, and attempted to redraw boundaries without government authorisation.
Listing affected areas to include Kwaba, Guri/Wurobokki, Kwaba Waka, Tashan Gurgu, Dingle Kasa and other communities in Dong District, MAYOPA chairman, Mr. Gagdiwana Joel, warned that the situation could escalate into violent clashes if not promptly addressed.
He accused security agencies of failing to act on repeated reports of intimidation, stressing that the inaction has emboldened those threatening peace.
“We can no longer guarantee our security if known individuals are allowed to arm themselves, invade our communities, and unlawfully establish boundaries — a responsibility that rests solely with government,” Joel said.
According to him, the dispute dates back to the early 1990s following the creation of districts in the state, with both communities laying claims to certain villages. He urged the Adamawa government, the State House of Assembly, and traditional institutions to clarify the disputed boundaries.
While noting that the Maya people had sought peaceful resolution for over three decades through legal and legislative means, Joel warned that his community would no longer tolerate further provocations.
“We will defend our territorial boundaries with the last drop of our blood. From now on, we shall resist violence with violence if such intimidation continues,” he declared.
In a swift response, the Bille Youths Federation dismissed the allegations. Its president, Mr. Wilfred Jerimond, at a separate press briefing in Bille, said tension over certain villages had persisted since the creation of Bille District in 1992.
He explained that some villages had yet to be fully integrated under Bille’s administrative control, a situation he said was fuelling repeated disputes.
Jerimond therefore called on the Adamawa State House of Assembly to ensure the full implementation of the Adamawa State Districts Creation (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Law, 2024 to clarify the status of the contested villages.
Both groups appealed to government and security agencies to act decisively and impartially to prevent the situation from degenerating into open conflict.
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