People of Ngayam community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau
State, on Thursday alleged that the District Head of Pushit, Da Diket
Gupiya, was planning to change the community’s name from “Ngayam” to
“Larkat”.
It was contained in a protest letter addressed to Hon. Abdul Yanga,
member representing Mangu North-East Constituency in the state House of
Assembly.
It was signed by Mr Toma Caleb, Chairman, Ngayam Development Association and Secretary, Mr Titus Bautu.
The community said that the village was known and referred to as “Ngayam” for ages hence the new name remained alien to them.
They also alleged that the Village Head of Ngayam, Mr Dogo Goyil, and
other persons from the community were arrested by the police over the
issue at the instance of Gupiya.
“Sir, we write to intimate you of the constant harassment that our
people go through in the hands of the District Head of Pushit, a
district in your constituency.
“We are faced with numerous challenges, but most importantly is the
attempt by the District Head to forcibly change the name of our village
from ‘Ngayam’ to ‘Larkat.’
“As a community, this name is alien to us and has no meaning.
“So, as our representative, we wish that you will use your good
offices to ensure that the matter which is capable of disrupting the
peace in the area is properly addressed,” the letter read in part.
The the community also demanded that the District Head be made to
append to certificates bearing Ngayam, the original name of the
community.
According to the letter, Gupiya only signs the ones bearing Larkat.
However, copies of the letter were also sent to the Speaker and all
members of the House, the Police Commissioner, the state Director of the
DSS and a host of others.
Daily Post