By Jako Keke,[Jalingo Times], September 5, 2026.
JALINGO-Residents of Jaagwe Community in Kona Ward of Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State have appealed to government, philanthropists and development organisations for urgent intervention in the provision of basic social amenities.
The appeal was made by Dr. Ezekiel H. Augustine, National Youth Leader of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association Youth Wing (MCDAYW), following an interaction with residents of the community.
Jaagwe, located a short distance from Jannibanbu Village, is said to have existed for more than a century. According to Augustine, generations of residents have lived peacefully in the community, cultivating the land, raising families, participating in civic activities and contributing to the local economy.
Despite its long history, however, the community is reportedly still struggling with access to basic amenities, including potable water, electricity, healthcare and motorable roads.
One of the most pressing challenges identified is the absence of a reliable potable water supply.
Women, children and other residents are reportedly forced to travel considerable distances in search of water, a situation that has placed additional pressure on families and could expose residents to waterborne diseases where unsafe sources are used.
Augustine appealed for the immediate construction of a functional borehole or another sustainable water system, stressing that even a single reliable water facility could significantly improve the lives of residents.
The absence of adequate electricity infrastructure and street lighting was also highlighted as a major concern.
According to the appeal, Jaagwe is plunged into darkness after sunset, creating difficulties for movement, social activities and security while limiting opportunities for evening economic activities.
The MCDAYW youth leader called for the installation of solar-powered streetlights, saying the intervention would improve visibility and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of residents.
The absence of a healthcare facility within the community was described as another critical challenge.
Residents, particularly pregnant women, children, elderly persons and people requiring emergency medical attention, reportedly have to travel outside the community to access healthcare services.
Augustine called on the authorities to establish a Primary Healthcare Centre or Community Health Post in Jaagwe, equipped with basic medical facilities, essential medicines and qualified personnel.
Poor road infrastructure is also reportedly affecting the community, particularly during the rainy season.
Farmers and traders face difficulties transporting agricultural produce to markets, while students, patients and other residents encounter challenges moving between Jaagwe and neighbouring communities.
Augustine therefore appealed for the construction, grading or rehabilitation of the road linking the community to surrounding settlements and major access routes.
He described the road as more than an infrastructure project, noting that improved access would enhance agricultural activities, healthcare access, education, commerce, security and overall economic development.
‘Jaagwe is asking for dignity, not luxury’
The appeal emphasised that residents were not demanding luxury but basic necessities that would enable them to live with dignity.
“For more than a hundred years, the people of Jaagwe have remained peaceful and law-abiding citizens,” Augustine said, while appealing to the Federal Government, Taraba State Government, Jalingo Local Government Council and relevant agencies to include the community in rural development programmes.
His requests include the provision of potable water, installation of solar streetlights, establishment of a primary healthcare facility, rehabilitation of access roads and inclusion of the community in poverty-alleviation and rural development programmes.
He also urged government officials, political leaders, philanthropists and development organisations to visit Jaagwe and assess the situation firsthand.
The appeal, he stressed, was not intended as a confrontation with government but as a call for attention to a community that has remained peaceful and supportive of government programmes despite its infrastructural challenges.
Augustine said the people of Jaagwe deserve to be “seen, heard and remembered,” urging stakeholders to turn the community's longstanding needs into concrete development interventions.
For the residents, the message is simple: after more than 100 years of existence, they believe the time has come for Jaagwe to receive the basic amenities needed to unlock its potential and improve the quality of life of its people.
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