Group Rejects Inclusion of Boi Community Under Zaar Chiefdom

By Monday Danladi

The Boi Solidarity Group (BSG) in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State has strongly rejected the placement of Boi District under the Zaar (Sayawa) Chiefdom, insisting that the Boi (Ayaa) people never consented to such an arrangement.

The group made its position known in a statement signed by its spokesperson, David Mark Rabo, following recent developments surrounding the creation of new chiefdoms and districts in Bauchi State.

While acknowledging the elevation of the Village Head of Boi to the status of District Head, the group said the recognition affirms the historical and administrative relevance of the Boi community.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the elevation of the Village Head of Boi to a District Head. This recognition affirms the historical relevance and administrative importance of Boi as a community,” the statement read.

The group also welcomed the creation of Boi District in principle, describing it as consistent with the long-standing aspirations of the people for administrative recognition and grassroots development.

However, BSG firmly opposed what it described as the subsumption of Boi District under the Zaar Chiefdom, arguing that the move was imposed without the consent of the Boi (Ayaa) people.

“This is precisely the outcome our people have consistently, peacefully, and formally opposed from the inception of this process,” the group said, alleging that the development resulted from the actions of “a few politically self-serving individuals” who abused their positions for personal advantage.

The group stressed that the Boi (Ayaa) people never surrendered their identity, autonomy, or historical ties to be placed under another chiefdom, adding that their opposition had been clearly communicated through memoranda, petitions, public hearings, and official correspondence to relevant authorities and the Bauchi State House of Assembly.

BSG further recalled that Governor Bala Mohammed had earlier made provisions for minority ethnic groups to determine their future through a referendum on whether to align with newly created chiefdoms.

“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,” the statement said.

The group also expressed concern over the absence of an official pronouncement confirming that Boi District falls under the Zaar Chiefdom, noting that the lack of clarity has fuelled confusion and agitation within the community.

“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement declared, “Boi District should exist, but Boi District must not exist under the Zaar Chiefdom.”

According to the group, the Boi (Ayaa) people possess a distinct history, identity, and traditional structure that should not be eroded by what it described as administrative shortcuts or political compromises.

The BSG called on the Bauchi State Government, the State House of Assembly, and other stakeholders to urgently address the issue by engaging the legitimate representatives of the Boi (Ayaa) people and restoring fairness and transparency to the process.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy and dialogue, but warned that sustainable peace can only thrive where justice, consultation, and inclusiveness prevail.