Tiv farmers from various communities in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State staged a protest on Monday against what they described as the forceful seizure of their ancestral lands by the state government.
The protesting farmers, who claimed they were not consulted before government activities commenced on the land, called for justice and urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to immediately suspend all land acquisition processes affecting their farmlands.
The protesters, drawn from Ayakeke, Osula, China, Shankodi, Udugh, Ikychiha, Utsuwa, and Daura communities, voiced their frustrations during the governor’s visit to inspect farmlands earmarked for the 2025 farming season.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Benjamin Tyoga said the land in question was inherited from their forefathers who had lived there for generations. He insisted that any attempt to take over the land without proper dialogue amounted to oppression.
“We don’t believe the governor’s words because this land has belonged to our fathers for hundreds of years. If it is to be taken, we should have been consulted—not just for him to come, inspect, and talk to us because we are protesting,” Tyoga said.
“The governor said we should send our leaders, but we are the people. All of us here are the rightful owners. Why can’t he speak to us directly? This is not fair. It is a clear case of land seizure by force.”
He continued: “If you build roads but we have nothing to eat, what good have you done? We are predominantly farmers. We want the governor to remember that we are citizens of Nasarawa State and have the right to protest and demand what belongs to us.”
Tyoga also expressed frustration over the difficulty in accessing the governor, stating that the protest created a rare chance for direct engagement—an opportunity he believes the governor failed to fully utilize.
“He is the governor. Meeting him is not easy. This protest was our only chance to talk to him directly, yet he asked us to send representatives. If not for this protest, he wouldn’t have even spoken to us. We will not rest until justice is served,” he added.
In response, Governor Sule cautioned the protesters against inciting unrest and urged them to channel their grievances through recognized leadership structures.
“Send your leaders to represent you. Don’t send troublemakers because if you do, you all will be in trouble,” the governor warned.
He assured the communities that the land initiative was for the benefit of all residents and not a personal project.
“I am the first governor to visit your community and even Jangwa. We plan to provide good roads and other infrastructure to improve your lives. This farm is not for me—it is for the people of Nasarawa State, including you. That’s why I came here myself,” he said.
Governor Sule reiterated that all land legally belongs to the state government and noted that only those with economic trees would be given time or compensated, if necessary.
Despite these assurances, many local elders and community members remained dissatisfied with how the issue was handled. Elder Iorliam Aondofa called for a more inclusive dialogue with the governor and his team.
“The governor must return with his team to genuinely meet with us—not just visit our land and leave. There should be a forum where everyone can express their views. That is how democracy works,” Aondofa stated.
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