In a letter to the state government, the elders of Bongo community said following the flood of August 27, 1989 in Leko village in Song Local Government Area, the then military government approved for the Hausa victims to be resettled at Sabuwan Leko in Bongo village.
The complainants added that government failed to compensate the land owners who were prevented from farming on the affected land ‘‘while some of the resettled victims sold off their portions, there by complicating the matter.
“Up to the time of making this complaint, Bongo community has not been paid even a single kobo in respect of the land taken away from them to resettle those who came to Loko from other parts of Nigeria. The local government, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and the District Head of Song met on our complaint written to them but we did not hear anything from them,” part of the letter read.
The community therefore called on the state government to remove the resettled victims of 1989 flood disaster from the disputed land to allow the communities resume farming activities since no compensation was paid.
Those who signed the letter include Kawu Aliyu (Jauro Bongo), Helma Muhammad Pwanugumoi, Adamu Emmanuel and Charles Kpanai.
Another letter to Song Council chairman dated March 31, 2013, called for the return of the land to its original owners to resume farming activities.
However, the Director of Public Affairs in Adamawa State Government House, Phineas Elisha, said that government will investigate the matter with a view to paying outstanding compensation.
Elisha said it was the responsibility of the state government to pay compensation and not the resettled community, adding that traditional rulers and community leaders will be involved to ensure successful resolution of the issue.
“Hausa and Bata communities have been living together in harmony for ages, so this issue should not destroy their relationship,” he said.
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