Tension flared in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Friday as hundreds of Tiv farmers marched through the streets of Lafia, protesting what they described as the illegal seizure of their ancestral farmlands by the state government.
The demonstrators, drawn from several Tiv-speaking communities including Ayakeke, Osula, China, Shankodi, Udugh, Ikychiha, Utsuwa, and Daura, carried placards and sang songs of resistance.
Their message was clear: the government's proposed agricultural development plans cannot come at the expense of their ancestral heritage.
Spokesperson for the protesters, Benjamin Tyoga, accused the government of sidelining the affected communities.
"We no longer trust the governor's assurances. These lands belong to our ancestors. If the government truly meant well, we should have been consulted. Instead, officials just started visiting our lands without telling us anything," Tyoga said.
He also criticized Governor Abdullahi Sule's insistence on meeting only with selected community leaders rather than directly engaging with the farmers whose lands are at stake.
"We are the people affected. Why should we send leaders when we can speak for ourselves?" he asked.
Women and elders joined the demonstration, pointing out the deep cultural ties the Tiv people have to their land.
Mrs Terhemba Iveren, one of the elderly protestors, declared, "This land is our home and our history. We are not against development, but you don't erase people's existence in the name of progress."
In response to the protest, Governor Sule urged calm and defended his administration's approach.
"Let your leaders come and speak with me. Don't send troublemakers. If you send troublemakers, it will be difficult for us to have peace," the governor said, adding that all land ultimately belongs to the state under Nigerian law, but compensation would be considered.
However, his comments did little to ease tensions.
Community leader, Iorliam Aondofa demanded a more transparent and inclusive process, saying, "The governor must return and meet with us in a town hall setting. Not just walk the land and leave. We all deserve to be heard-that is what democracy is about," he said.
Land rights advocate, Comrade Isaac Gbande issued a stern warning, stating the situation could escalate if the government fails to follow due process.
"This is not just a development issue-it's a human rights matter. Without free, prior, and informed consent, any attempt to displace people will be met with resistance," he said.
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