Mai Kaltungo Visits Remote Mountain Communities as Residents Cry Out Over Lack of Roads, Water and Healthcare

The Mai of Kaltungo, Engr. Sale Mohammed Umar, OON, marked his 27th anniversary on the throne by embarking on a difficult journey through remote mountainous communities in Kaltungo Chiefdom and neighbouring parts of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. During the visit, residents from various settlements gathered in Dudoi Village to welcome the traditional ruler and celebrate his years of leadership, peacebuilding, and community engagement. The monarch said the visit was aimed at strengthening unity and sustaining peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities. Cultural performances and traditional dances formed part of the celebrations, while food items and gifts were exchanged between visitors and host communities. However, residents used the opportunity to draw attention to the harsh living conditions in the area, lamenting the total absence of basic social amenities. They said there are no motorable roads linking the mountain communities, leaving motorcycles as the only means of transportation, which many villagers cannot afford. The residents also disclosed that there is no access to clean drinking water, forcing both humans and animals to depend on the same natural water sources. They further revealed that in cases of emergencies, especially involving pregnant women and sick persons, patients are carried on locally made stretchers across the mountains to reach the nearest healthcare facility. The communities, largely made up of farmers and herders, appealed to government authorities to urgently provide roads, healthcare, electricity, clean water, and telecommunications services to improve their living conditions.