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Tiv communities in Nasarawa State have raised the alarm over the alleged forceful acquisition of 10,000 hectares of their ancestral land by the state government.
They described the development as violations of their fundamental rights and threats to their security and socioeconomic well-being.
The communities have appealed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Senate President, and the Office of the Speaker for intervention.
The Tiv communities stated that they rely heavily on their ancestral lands for farming and survival.
They expressed their grievances through their lawyer, Jerry Aondo, in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja.
The affected communities include Akaha, Utsuwa, Usula, Udugh, China, Shankodi, Ikyorchiha, and Ayarkeke in the Obi/Awe Local Government Area of the state.
They claim the state’s decision to deprive them of their land without offering alternatives is unjust and illegal, violating principles of natural justice.
In a petition to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Aondo pointed out that the land acquisition process is a clear violation of their rights as Nigerian citizens.
The communities alleged that the government, aided by traditional rulers and village heads, is coercively acquiring their land.
The petition, dated April 10, noted that the communities’ hardships would be exacerbated by previous forced land acquisitions in Awe/Doma Local Government Area, which lacked a clear plan for balanced economic development and did not benefit the Tiv indigenes of the state.
“Already the atmosphere in the area is tense, with the frequent unannounced deployments of security personnel leading to alleged assaults, arrests, and harassment of the people all under the guise of government actions, thereby instilling fear among the residents.
“Last Friday a group of armed security operatives attacked the community leading to injuries and loss of properties to the people.
“We call on Governor Sule to intervene urgently as we are confident of his administration’s ability to deliver justice.” The lawyer stated.
The communities, however, expressed confidence in Sule’s administration’s ability to deliver justice, acknowledging the governor’s past efforts to restore peace and security to the Tiv people, who have suffered from communal crises resulting in loss of lives, property, and severe economic hardship due to displacement.
