Over 10,000 hectares of arable farmlands belonging to indigenous Tiv tribes in Nasarawa state, have allegedly been forcefully taken over by the State’s Governor, Abdullahi Sule.
Protesters from Obi and Awe Local Government Areas of the state, gathered at Udugh in Agwatashi Obi LGA, yesterday Wednesday to express their anger and disapproval of the Governor’s actions with many of the protesters sustaining injuries.
In what many describe, as the sly systemic displacement and genocidal capture of ancient lands belonging to indigenous tribes of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, this latest move by Nasarawa State Governor has thrown the affected communities in agony with many calling for federal help
According to Independent Daily, the spokesperson representing the affected communities, Honourable Felix Upav, revealed to journalists that 6,000 hectares of farmland was taken from Obi LGA while 4,000 hectares was taken from Awe LGA. The list of affected communities includes, Angwan Anthony, Akala, Utsuwa, Udugh, Usula, Ayarkeke, Shamkodu, China and Ikyochiha.
Upav stated that the victims were mainly peasant farmers who relied solely on their farms, lamenting that if their farmlands are taken over from them, they may not be able to survive the harsh economic realities of the country. He wants the state government to make public the documentations proving the land was lawfully acquired from the indigenous owners with compensations given
He further said: “We heard that it was the traditional ruler of Agwatashi and the village head of Jangwa areas that told Governor Abdullahi Sule that there is a virgin land in the area that is up to 10,000 hectares. While we appreciate the governor for bringing the agricultural programme to our area, we are appealing that it should be done somewhere else because the lands are only what our people (Tiv farmers) uses to survive and settle their daily needs.
“Our people had planted rice and other crops on the land which have started growing. But to our greatest surprise, some people from the State Ministry of Agriculture went there yesterday and today with tractors and started turning over our people’s farms. We are appealing that the governor should consider us and look into the matter.”
Recall in May 16 2020 Vangaurdngr reported an attack of another Tiv community in Kadarko, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, with protesters alleging incessant killings, forceful seizure of their farmlands and homes by Fulani herdsmen in the area
Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Sule, responding to the recent happenings and accusations of landgrab, stated that the 10,000 hectares of land belongs to the state government, and warned against any form of encroachment on the land.
SOURCE: Daily Independent
IMAGE: Daily post
