Nasarawa Group Debunks Tor Tiv’s Claims Over Land Dispute, Urges Tinubu to Order Urgent Boundary Demarcation
A prominent socio-cultural organisation, the Alago Ikweyi Gbayi Development Union (AIGDU), has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct the National Boundary Commission to carry out a thorough and physical reassessment of the boundary lines between Nasarawa and Benue States.
This plea comes in response to escalating violence around the Yelwata community, a border area recently affected by deadly attacks that left several people including children and pregnant women dead. The group believes that a clear demarcation of boundaries will help resolve ongoing tensions and prevent future bloodshed.
In a joint statement released on Sunday in Lafia by AIGDU President Mohammed Oshafu and Publicity Secretary Hassan Ozegya, the union disputed allegations made by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, during President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State. The Tor Tiv had accused Nasarawa State of marginalising Tiv communities and encroaching on their ancestral lands.
AIGDU dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading, particularly pointing out that Yelwata is historically an Alago settlement and part of Keana Local Government Area in Nasarawa State. According to the union, the Tiv people only migrated to the area later and are not the original inhabitants.
They further referenced colonial records, legal documentation, and modern digital mapping tools like Google Maps, which all identify Yelwata as part of Nasarawa State’s territory.
“Our people have lived peacefully with other ethnic groups, including the Tiv, for decades. The current narrative being pushed is dangerous and undermines the peaceful coexistence we have worked hard to build,” said Oshafu.
While distancing themselves from any retaliatory violence or speculation about the origin of the attacks, AIGDU stressed that the Tiv community holds no ancestral land claims in the Keana, Obi, or Awe LGAs, adding that these areas have historically belonged to the Alago and Gwandara tribes.
The union expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragic attacks and lauded President Tinubu’s visit to the region, praising his swift response and empathy.
In conclusion, AIGDU reiterated its appeal for boundary clarity, urging federal authorities to establish clearly marked jurisdiction lines to help security agencies and residents alike understand territorial responsibilities and prevent further disputes.
“Only a definitive and government-backed boundary demarcation will stop this cycle of accusation, mistrust, and violence,” the statement concluded.
