Tiv farmers protest, accuse Nasarawa of land grabbing

Nine Tiv farming communities in Nasarawa State protested against a government agricultural program involving 10,000 hectares of land in Obi and Awe LGs. Spokesperson Felix Upav stated that no negotiations or compensation occurred, and local farmers rely on this land for their livelihoods. Governor Abdullahi Sule insisted the land belongs to the state, intended for food security, and urged residents to support the initiative. Tensions have led to injuries and calls for the government to halt work and resolve conflicts. Source: Punchline

Our Review
The rejection of the Nasarawa State Government’s agricultural programme by nine Tiv farming communities in Obi and Awe LGs highlights the critical issue of land acquisition transparency and community consultation. The state’s initiative aims to boost food security by planting rice, sesame, and corn on 10,000 hectares. However, the communities depend on this land for their livelihoods and were not consulted about the acquisition, leading to protests and rising tensions. Resolving these issues through dialogue and fair compensation is crucial for fostering trust and sustainable agricultural development.