TIV farmers protest alleged land confiscation by the nasarawa government

Anger and tension gripping the territory of the Obi regional government in the nasarawa state when hundreds of TV farmers protested in the Lafia, accused the state government forced to get their ancestral agricultural land without consultation.

The demonstrators, who represent the community including Ayakeke, Osula, China, Shankodi, Udugh, Ikychiha, Utsuwa, and Daura, carried placards and chanting songs of resistance to what they described as an effort to take their inheritance under the position of agrani development.

Benjamin Tyoga, a spokesman for protesters, voiced their complaints: “We no longer trust the governor’s guarantee. These land belongs to our ancestors. If the government is truly good, we should be consulted before he comes to examine the area. Conversely, we only hear about it after the officials start visiting our land.”

The farmers expressed their anger at the insistence of Governor Abdullahi Sule to deal with community leaders rather than being directly involved with affected landowners. “We are affected people. Why should we send a leader? If he really wants to hear us, he will speak directly. This is a confiscation of pure land, and we will not accept it,” said Tyoga.

Women and elders joined the protest, with Mrs. Iveren emphasizes the importance of land culture: “This land is our home, our story. You cannot just take it without dialogue. We don’t say we don’t want to develop, but that can’t come at the expense of our existence.”

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In response, Governor Sule called for calm while maintaining the government’s position: “Let your leaders come and talk to me. Don’t send troublemakers. If you send troublemakers, it will be difficult for us to have peace.”

He stated that all land is legally owned by the state government but promises consideration for compensation.

However, community leaders remain unsure. Iorliam Aondofa demanded the right consultation: “The Governor must return and meet us at the City Hall, not just visit the land and leave. Everyone must be allowed to speak. That’s how the democracy works.”

The rights activist of Kawan Isaac Gbande warns warns the escalation potential: “This is more than just a development policy – this is a matter of human rights. The government must obtain free approval, previously, and informed before displacing the community. Anything that lacks will lead to resistance.”

The deadlock continues when farmers vow to protect their livelihoods, while the state government maintains their development agenda can benefit all parties if implemented properly. Safety remains tight in the area because both sides are looking for resolutions to the growing crisis.

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