A socio-cultural group in Nasarawa State, under the aegis of the Alago Ikweyi Gbayi Development Union (AIGDU), has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently direct the National Boundary Commission to conduct a physical demarcation of the boundary between Nasarawa and Benue states.
The group believes that a clear boundary delineation would help curb the recurring attacks by gunmen that have led to the deaths of many innocent citizens, including women and children.
This appeal was contained in a statement jointly signed by the President of AIGDU, Mohammed Oshafu, and the association’s Publicity Secretary, Hassan Ozegya, and made available to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, on Sunday.
The group’s statement comes after recent remarks by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, during President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State.
The Tor Tiv had alleged that Tiv people in Nasarawa were being oppressed and their lands taken, particularly in communities near the Nasarawa-Benue border such as Yelwata.
However, AIGDU refute these claims, describing them as misleading. The group maintained that communities in Keana, Obi, and Awe local government areas, which are predominantly Alago, have enjoyed peaceful coexistence among residents, including the Tiv.
“Yelwata is historically an Alago village comprising Alago and Gwandara tribes,”; the statement said.
“The Tiv later joined them in the community. Apart from colonial and other modern-day records, even Google Maps confirms that Yelwata is in Nasarawa State.”;
The union clarified that while it does not support conflict or bloodshed, it firmly disputes claims suggesting that the Tiv have ancestral ownership over land in those local government areas.
“The Tiv people do not have ancestral lands in Keana, Obi, and Awe LGAs. The Alago people are the indigenous owners and founders of those areas,”; the statement noted.
AIGDU also distanced itself from the causes of the recent violence in Yelwata, stating that they were not aware of any skirmishes that led to the deadly attacks.
While commiserating with the families affected by the violence, the group praised President Tinubu for his swift intervention and condolence visit to the affected communities.
“Our appeal for the clear demarcation of the Nasarawa-Benue border is to help avoid further crisis, define administrative roles, and promote lasting peace and security in the region,”; the statement added.
