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- Farmers urge Governor Sule’s intervention to prevent escalation of crisis
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a simmering conflict that threatens to disrupt peace in Kadarko, TiV farmers have raised alarm over alleged encroachment on their lands by Fulani herdsmen, leading to heightened tensions in the community.
Mr. Denis Denen Utsa, chairman of the United Farmers Association of Kadarko while briefing press men on Wednesday in kardarko town of Nasarawa- south voiced the concerns of his fellow farmers, urging Governor Sule to intervene before the situation escalates further.
According to Denen, the farmers were dismayed to find their ancestral lands occupied by Fulani herders, who, they claim, arrived from neighbouring Plateau State. He alleged that the land in question had been purportedly sold for a staggering sum of 10 billion naira, as reported by Fulani sources, casting doubts on the legality of the transaction.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Denen recounted recent incidents, including the abduction of two individuals, the rape of a woman, and the brutal injury of seven others within the span of a week. Such events have instilled fear and apprehension among the local populace, prompting urgent calls for intervention to preserve the fragile peace in the region.
“We are aware that the governor is not aware of the situation, which is why we have to call for this press briefing so that the peace we have been enjoying in the community will not be distorted,” Dende emphasised.
One victim, Bunde TiV Run Afer. Community leader who is a victim., shared his harrowing experience, recounting how he discovered that his family’s land, passed down for generations, had been usurped by Fulani settlers. Shocked and dismayed, he appealed to Governor Sule to intervene swiftly to avert a potential crisis, especially with the farming season fast approaching.
“We are closing in on the farming season, and if this issue is not solved amicably, it may lead to a crisis,” warned Bunde, echoing the sentiments of many farmers in Kadarko.
The farmers also called on the governor to summon the traditional ruler and other relevant stakeholders to address the underlying grievances and ensure a peaceful resolution to the dispute. As tensions continue to mount, all eyes are on Governor Sule and the authorities to take decisive action to prevent further escalation and safeguard the livelihoods of the affected communities.
Bako Thomas Ayuba, a prominent figure in Kadarko community and current secretary of the village head of Sarki Noma, shed further light on the escalating tensions, revealing the broader implications of the land grabbing crisis. Ayuba disclosed that the issue extends beyond the TiV community, affecting his predominantly Eggon community as well.
According to Ayuba, there appears to be a concerted effort to displace TiV people from the southern part of Nasarawa State entirely. He traced the origins of the conflict back to 2017, but noted that it intensified under the current Osu of Kadarko’s leadership, alleging complicity in allowing Fulani settlers to occupy vast swathes of land.
Ayuba described a pattern of harassment and intimidation faced by TiV farmers, with herdsmen obstructing their agricultural activities and deliberately destroying their crops.
He lamented that the encroachment had now extended to affect the Eggon community, with both TiV and Eggon women unable to access their ancestral lands for farming due to alleged collusion between community chiefs and the herdsmen.
“The chiefs of the community sold everything to the herdsmen,” Ayuba asserted, highlighting the dire consequences for both TiV and Eggon farmers who have been rendered landless and unable to sustain their livelihoods.
Daily Sun reports that the plight of both TiV and Eggon communities hangs in the balance, dependent on swift and decisive action by the Nasarawa State government to restore peace and ensure their fundamental right to land and livelihood.
