Tiv farmers in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State took to the streets of Lafia on Friday to protest. They are upset about what they say is the illegal takeover of their ancestral farmlands by the state government.

The protest included people from Tiv-speaking communities like Ayakeke, Osula, China, Shankodi, Udugh, Ikychiha, Utsuwa, and Daura. The protesters held placards and sang songs, demanding that their land be left alone.

The farmers said the government’s plan to use their land for agricultural development is unfair because they were not involved in the decision. Benjamin Tyoga, a spokesperson for the group, said, “We no longer trust the governor. These lands belong to our ancestors. The government should have spoken with us before making any plans.”

Tyoga also criticized Governor Abdullahi Sule for talking only to selected community leaders instead of the real farmers affected. “We are the ones losing our land. We should speak for ourselves,” he said.

Many women and elders also joined the protest. One elder, Mrs Terhemba Iveren, said, “This land is our home and our history. We are not against development, but it shouldn’t destroy our culture and identity.”

Governor Sule responded by asking for peace and said he is ready to speak with the leaders. He reminded the protesters that under Nigerian law, all land belongs to the government. He also promised that compensation might be given.

But this did not calm the protesters. A local leader, Iorliam Aondofa, said the governor must meet everyone in a town hall meeting. “We all deserve to be heard. That’s what democracy is about,” he said.

Land rights advocate, Comrade Isaac Gbande, warned the government to follow the proper legal steps. “This is a human rights issue. If people are forced off their land without consent, they will resist,” he said.

The Tiv farmers are standing firm. They want fairness, respect, and a say in what happens to their land.