Tension has gripped Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State as Tiv farmers from several communities have accused the state government of forcefully seizing their ancestral farmlands for a proposed agricultural project.
The protesting farmers, who gathered on Wednesday from Ayakeke, Osula, China, Shankodi, Udugh, Ikychiha, Utsuwa, and Daura communities, staged a mass demonstration against what they described as land grabbing and systematic marginalisation. Chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards, the protesters demanded that Governor Abdullahi Sule halt the project until proper consultation is held.
The group’s spokesperson, Mr. Benjamin Tyoga, said their lands have been cultivated by their ancestors for centuries and should not be taken without dialogue and due process.
“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 before he came to inspect the area. Instead, we only heard about it after officials began visiting our lands,” Tyoga lamented.
He also expressed dismay over the governor’s directive that delegates be sent to speak with him rather than engaging directly with the affected farmers.
“We are the people affected. Why must we send leaders? If he truly wanted to hear us, he would address us directly. This is pure land seizure, and we will not accept it,” he added.
Tyoga further warned that the loss of their farmlands would strip them of their livelihood and heritage.
“If roads are built and we have no land to farm, what have we gained? We are farmers, and our survival depends on these lands. We are citizens of Nasarawa State and deserve to be heard,” he said.
Adding her voice, another protester, Mrs. Terhemba Iveren, described the land as more than a resource, saying, “This land is our home, our story. You can’t just take it without dialogue. We are not saying we don’t want development, but it should not come at the cost of our existence.”
The demonstration, held under tight security, remained peaceful despite the emotionally charged atmosphere. Security operatives were present to ensure order.
In response to the protest, Governor Abdullahi Sule called for calm and urged the farmers to channel their grievances peacefully.
“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,” he warned.
The governor insisted that the proposed farm project was not for personal enrichment but intended to benefit all communities in Nasarawa State, including the Tiv.
“I am the first governor to visit your communities. This project is not mine; it is for you and your children. We are planning to provide roads and other infrastructure to uplift your lives,” he said.
He also asserted that all land within the state belongs legally to the government and noted that compensation would be considered for owners of economic trees.
However, community elders remained unconvinced. One of them, Iorliam Aondofa, called for a transparent town hall meeting to address the people’s concerns.
“The governor must return and meet us in a town hall, not just visit the land and leave. Everyone must be allowed to speak. That is how democracy works,” he said.
Youth leader Terver Gbakough also expressed frustration over the lack of communication, saying, “They just came and said the land belongs to a government project. That’s not how things should be done. We want respect and fairness. Any move to take our land must be with our consent.”
A land rights advocate, Comrade Isaac Gbande, warned that the government’s approach could ignite long-term conflict. “This is more than a development policy—it’s a human rights issue. The government must obtain free, prior, and informed consent before displacing communities. Anything less will lead to resistance,” he said.
As tensions remain high, the Tiv communities are standing their ground, insisting on dialogue, transparency, and respect for their ancestral heritage.
