Alago Nation Responds To Tiv Land Dispute Allegations

The Alago people of Nasarawa State have issued a formal response to allegations made by the Tiv community regarding land disputes affecting several localities. This follows a letter from the Tiv, which accused the Alago of land grabbing, discrimination, and destruction of crops in Awe, Keana, and Obi local government areas.

In a 25-page letter dated July 16, 2024, signed by Barr. Bartholomew Iorkpen of O.G Akaaka & Co, the Tiv‘s grievances were directed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule, with copies sent to various government officials, including the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In reply, the Alago nation, through a rejoinder dated August 12, 2024, and signed by Alh. Amin Dan Elegu, president of the Alago Development Association, dismissed the claims.

Their letter, titled „Re: Protest against indiscriminate grabbing of Tiv ancestral lands and destruction of their farm crops without due process,“ emphasized the need to clarify the historical context of the land in dispute.

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The Alago asserted that while the Tiv claimed a three-century-long presence in Nasarawa State, historical records indicate their migration to Nigeria from the Congo and Cameroon in the 19th century. They also refuted the existence of a „Munshi Province,“ clarifying that a Muri Province encompassed the regions now known as Nasarawa South Senatorial District.

The Alago further noted that the Tiv entered the region as settlers, having been granted land by local traditional rulers and paying taxes in return. They expressed concern over the Tiv‘s ongoing claims to ancestral lands in Keana, Obi, and Agwatashi, which they argued undermined the authority of Alago traditional rulers.

The Alago accused the Tiv of a history of conflict and violence against host communities, citing several instances of unrest and bloodshed associated with the Tiv throughout the years. They characterized these actions as part of a broader pattern of territorial expansion and conflict instigated by the Tiv people in Nasarawa State.