By Abel Leonard, Lafia
Tiv farmers from various communities in Obi Local Government, Nasarawa State, yesterday staged a protest against what they described as forceful seizure of their ancestral lands by the state government.
The farmers, who said they were not consulted prior to government’s activities on the land, demanded justice and called on Governor Abdullahi Sule, to immediately halt all processes aimed at acquiring their farmlands.
The protesters, drawn from Ayakeke, Osula, China, Shankodi, Udugh, Ikychiha, Utsuwa, and Daura communities, expressed their frustrations during the governor’s visit to inspect farmlands intended for the 2025 farming season.
Speaking on behalf of the protesting group, Benjamin Tyoga said that they inherited the land from their forefathers, who had lived there for hundreds of years, adding that any attempt to take the land without proper dialogue would amount to oppression.
“We don’t believe the governor’s words because the land belongs to our fathers for hundreds of years ago. If it is to be taken, we should have been consulted ,not just for him to come and inspect and talk to us because we are protesting.
“ The Governor said we should send leaders, but we are the people . All of us here are the owners. Why can’t he talk to us directly? It is not fair. This is purely seizure of our lands by force.
“If you create roads and we don’t have what to eat to survive, what have you done? We are predominantly farmers, and we want the governor to consider the fact that we are citizens of Nasarawa state. We have the right to protest and demand for things that belong to us,” he said.
He lamented the difficulty in accessing the governor, stating that the protest provided a rare opportunity for direct engagement, which the governor did not fully utilize.
“He is the governor. Meeting him is difficult. This is an opportunity to talk to us in a language we understand. Rather, he said we should send leaders. How do we get to him? We are calling on the governor to leave our land. If he wanted to speak to us, he would not have come first to see the lands before calling to see us. If not for our protest, he wouldn’t have even talked to us. We will not rest until justice is served,” Tyoga stated.
Earlier, Sule cautioned the farmers against inciting unrest and urged them to channel their grievances through recognized leadership.
“Send your leaders to represent you to speak to me. Don’t send troublemakers because if you send troublemakers, you all will be in trouble,” Governor Sule warned.
He assured the people that the initiative is in their best interest and not a personal venture.
“I am the first governor to visit your community and even Jangwa. There are other things we intend to do for you;good roads and other infrastructure that will better your community. The farm is not my personal property, but for the people of Nasarawa state, including you. That is why I came here myself to see things.
“All lands belong to the state government. We can only allow and give time for those that have economic trees, and if need be, we will compensate,” he explained.
Despite the assurances, local elders and community members expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the matter. Elder Iorliam Aondofa called on the governor to organize meeting for more inclusive dialogue.
“The governor must return with his team to genuinely meet with us,not just visit our land and leave. Let there be a meeting where everyone can air their views. That is how democracy works,” Aondofa said.