Tensions have escalated in Nasarawa State as a coalition of Tiv leaders has accused the state government of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic cleansing and forced land seizures under the guise of agricultural development.
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At a press conference held in Abuja, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jerry Aondo, issued a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, calling for urgent intervention to prevent what he described as a looming humanitarian and security crisis.
Visibly distressed, Aondo said, “I can no longer practice law or sleep peacefully while my people are being killed.” He alleged that the state government’s Agricultural Mandate Initiative is being used as a cover to displace Tiv populations from their ancestral homes in Awe, Obi, Keana, and Doma Local Government Areas.
“This is not agricultural development. This is ethnic persecution disguised as progress,” Aondo declared.
He further claimed that security agencies and certain ministries are collaborating with the state government in the implementation of these displacements.
Citing a recent incident, Aondo said armed escorts accompanied bulldozers into Udugh village on May 4, shortly after a visit by Governor Abdullahi Sule. The demolition reportedly affected homes, schools, churches, and even graveyards. He listed several villages affected by these actions, including Udugh, Utsuwa, Usula, China, Chabo, Wachi, Tyungu, Uvirkaa, Ugba, and Ayarkeke.
“Entire communities have been razed or earmarked for demolition. Our people are now refugees in their own land,” he lamented.
Aondo also reported that women in Osula village were driven off their farmlands by operatives allegedly acting under state orders, leaving many families without food or means of survival. He described the situation as “calculated suffering.”
Despite numerous petitions and appeals sent to the Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Commissioner of Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Aondo said the Nasarawa State government has remained silent.
The Tiv coalition also accused some traditional rulers of aiding the campaign against the Tiv. According to Aondo, certain chiefs are refusing to issue indigene certificates to Tiv residents and are allegedly complicit in the dismantling of their communities.
“The governor’s actions are sowing ethnic discord and could ignite widespread unrest,” Aondo warned.
He urged President Tinubu and the NSA to investigate Governor Sule’s role, halt the demolitions, and deploy security forces to protect the displaced communities.
The coalition referenced the May 10 burning of Gbaghtar village in Doma LGA, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen, as further evidence of the deteriorating security situation. They warned that Tiv communities are now under siege, and the risk of further violence continues to escalate.
Among the Tiv individuals reportedly killed in Kaambe Jangaru ward (Awe LGA) between February and May are: Koforo Toba 1, Mase Terlumun, Bunde Ugah, and Cathrine Baadardi. Other victims include Alex Adidi, David Ajo, David Girgir, Boyi Adidi, John Iwar, Verlumun Vitali, Benjamin Tilenenge, and Atume Godu.
The coalition called for urgent federal intervention to stop the killings, ensure justice for the victims, and secure the return of displaced Tiv communities to their ancestral lands.
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