Nine Tiv communities in Obi and Awe local government areas of Nasarawa State are protesting over an alleged land acquisition by the state government for an agricultural programme. The land, situated in Agwatashi and Jangwa areas, spans 10,000 hectares.
The Nasarawa State Government recently designated the land for cultivating rice, sesame and corn, aimed at bolstering food security across the state’s 13 local government areas.
Speaking after a peaceful protest in Udugh, Obi Local Government Area, the spokesman for the communities, Mr Felix Upav, expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with Tiv farmers regarding the land acquisition
“We are concerned about how the state government acquired 10,000 hectares of our land without any negotiation or compensation to the affected communities,” Upav stated.
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He listed the affected communities as Angwan Anthony, Akala, Utsuwa, Udugh, Usula, Ayarkeke, Shamkodu, China and Ikyochiha.
Upav stressed that the predominantly peasant farming communities rely heavily on these lands for their livelihoods. He noted that the recent incursion by the state Ministry of Agriculture with tractors to clear farmlands had escalated tension and led to communal strife, resulting in injuries among residents.
“We acknowledge government’s effort to bring agricultural development to our area, but we appeal for reconsideration. These lands are essential for our survival and daily sustenance,” Upav added.
In response, Governor Abdullahi Sule affirmed the state government’s ownership of the 10,000 hectares and cautioned against encroachment.
During the distribution of 1,000 bags of fertiliser to Obi Local Government Area wards, donated by the federal government, Governor Sule explained, “The acquisition of this land is crucial to support federal government’s agenda for food security. We are committed to farming rice, sesame and corn across 10,000 hectares from Jangwa to Agwatashi.”
He called on residents to support the initiative, assuring them of benefitting directly from the agricultural programme through employment opportunities and enhanced local economic activities.
“I urge you all to refrain from encroaching on government’s farmlands to avoid further conflicts. Let us work together for the success of this agricultural project, which will ultimately benefit our communities,” Governor Sule said.
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