by Kabiru R. Anwar
Following persistent violent confrontations between security forces and Boko Haram insurgents in nearby locations in Adamawa State, the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu, moved to Yola late Monday as the invading insurgents advanced on the state’s second largest city.
Close palace sources said the emir, who earlier chose to remain in the city, yielded to advice from the security forces to leave for Yola around 11 pm Monday in a long convoy of vehicles that also conveyed key members of the emirate.
The entourage comprised of royal aides and king makers in the emirate including the district head of Mubi Yarima Bello, Sarkin Fada, Ahmadu Waziri, Garkuwan Mubi , Adamu Duhu and Chokalin Sarki, Dr. Bobboi Alhaji. Also with the emir were members of the his family as well as other relatives and some subjects.
“Yes, he is currently in Yola where he already had some engagements as the Amirul Hajj, leader of state government’s delegation to Saudi Arabia”, a palace source said.
Secretary to the Emirate Council, Tijjani Marafa, said the traditional council took the decision to temporarily move the emir to the state capital pending the return of normalcy to Mubi. He said the emir is expected to return to his palace today, Wednesday as the situation improved within the past 20 hours and people have started going about their normal activities.
“The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, had prior communication with His Royal Highness to persuade him to relocate to Yola temporarily when it appeared that the insurgents were a few kilometers from Mubi. From reports we had, they have not yet attacked Mubi but there is panic”, the source added.
More people continued to flee Mubi yesterday and other affected areas following reports that the insurgents had approached Vintim, the home of the Chief of General Staff which is 15 kilometers from Mubi. Refugees from Mubi and Michika continued to troop to Yola amid shortage of vehicles. Hundreds of people arrived Yola Sunday with most of them patching up with relatives and friends.
http://dailytrust.com.ng/daily/top-stories/34036-emir-of-mubi-others-move-to-yola
