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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
The Boi Solidarity Group (BSG), in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has stated clearly and unequivocally that while Boi District is welcome, its placement under the Zaar (Sayawa) Chiefdom is strongly rejected by the Boi (Ayaa) people.
The rejection was contained in statement, signed by the spokesperson of the BSG,
David Mark Rabo, in response to recent developments following the creation of new Chiefdoms and Districts in Bauchi State, particularly as it concerns the Boi (Ayaa) people.
The statement reads: “We begin by acknowledging and appreciating the elevation of the Village Head of Boi to the status of a District Head. This recognition affirms the historical relevance and administrative importance of Boi as a community.”
It further contained, “We also welcome the creation of Boi District in principle, as it aligns with the long-standing desire of our people for administrative recognition and grassroots development.”
According to the group, “This is precisely the outcome our people have consistently, peacefully, and formally opposed from the inception of this process. The Boi (Ayaa) community was not placed under the Zaar Chiefdom by collective will or consent, but rather through the actions of a few politically self-serving individuals who abused their positions, influence, and temporary political advantage, without regard for the long-term cultural, historical, and social consequences for their people.”
The group added that, “It is important to put on record that the people of Boi (Ayaa) did not at any point surrender their identity, autonomy, or historical ties in favour of subsumption under the Zaar Chiefdom.”
It stressed that, “Our opposition has been documented through memoranda, petitions, press statements, public hearing, and official correspondence addressed to the relevant committees, authorities, and the Bauchi State House of Assembly. Sadly, these clearly expressed positions were ignored.
“We further wish to recall that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, graciously made provision for minority tribes, including the Ayaa people, to determine their future through a referendum, to either join or decline alignment with newly created Chiefdoms,” It added.
The BSG stressed that, “Regrettably, this opportunity was never extended to the Boi (Ayaa) people, thereby denying us a fundamental democratic right to decide our own traditional and administrative destiny.
“Equally troubling is the fact that since the announcement of the new Chiefdom and Districts, no official statement has been issued by the responsible committee or any competent authority explicitly stating that Boi is under the Zaar Chiefdom,” it added.
According BSG, “To this day, there has been no clear, formal, and unambiguous pronouncement to that effect. This absence of official clarity has only deepened confusion, mistrust, and agitation among our people.”
It then stressed that, for the avoidance of doubt: Boi District should exist, But Boi District must not exist under the Zaar Chiefdom.
The Boi (Ayaa) people have a distinct history, identity, and traditional structure which cannot be eroded by administrative shortcuts or political compromises. Our struggle is not against development, reform, or peace, but against injustice, imposition, and misrepresentation.
The BSG declared that, “We call on the Bauchi State Government, the State House of Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to urgently address this anomaly by engaging the legitimate representatives of the Boi (Ayaa) people, restoring fairness to the process, and respecting the clearly stated will of the community”.
The Boi Solidarity Group remains committed to peaceful advocacy, dialogue, and the protection of the collective interest of the Boi (Ayaa) people.
“However, We emphasize that peace is best sustained where justice, consultation, and transparency prevail,” the BSG said.
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