Rabiu Omaku

The Alago Development Association following the pockets of communal skirmishes that erupted in the border community of Guma in Benue and Keana in Nasarawa State, The Association says any individual or groups that can no longer live in peace together with Alago can vacate their ancestral land in peace.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the National President of ADA , Amin Dan Elegu FCNA, and made available to Universal Reporters,

“As far as we are concerned there is no ongoing reprisal from Alago to warrant panicking, desertion, and ambush. Despite the aggression, one thing is for sure, we will remain resolute and peaceful but never succumb to any forms of intimidation.

In that regard,”

“It is therefore pertinent for us all to have a common understanding and give peace a chance for development to thrive, The Association however notes with concern the exodus of Tivs from Keana areas and unwarranted ambushing/attacks along the Keana -Aloshi route as well as Keana -Giza.

The statement further described the killings in Keana by Tiv’s as an unprecedented assault on Alago Nation. Saying surely nemesis shall surely catch up with them. We explained that the attack was reprehensible and condemnable.

“We call on the authority to get to the root of this dastardly act and bring all involved to book appropriately”.

” Alago are people with rare magnanimity and it is in our characters to build trust and confidence in any kind of settlers living with us in our communities. However, It is regrettable to State that our reciprocity for the built confidence has always been a betrayal of that trust and confidence on the part of the settlers. It is sad to know that the callous attack that massacred and maimed our innocent people farming on our ancestral lands was launched by the settlers we have so much reposed confidence in. We wonder what can be justified for the barbaric act. This is criminal of the highest order and inhumane in entity”.

Undoubtedly, this power transcends to the Local Government Council Chairmen and traditional rulers, empowering them to be the custodians of all lands within their areas of jurisdiction and to hold the land in trust for their people.

As a people, we align ourselves with these laws and call on all our settler communities, including pastoralists residing within Alago territories to be guided by this Act in the way they relate and equally urge them to respect all the provisions of the law with allegiance to their respective traditional rulers as well as the State Government.

Be it as it may, we call for maximum and deserving cooperation with no reservations whatsoever Government or the traditional institutions in good intent desire to do on a piece of land anywhere within their jurisdiction to bring development to the land for the benefit of the people.

“It may interest all and sundry living within Alago territories to know that permission to settle and farm should not be misconstrued as ceding land to or conferring perpetual ownership of the occupied space on individuals or groups irrespective of his or their status”.

ADA , In the statement called on the Federal Government to checkmate arbitrary and unjustifiable claims over land by individuals or groups, came up with the enactment of the Land Use Act of 1978 to regulate the use of land, which was the right thing in the right direction.

By the provisions of the Land Use Act, the Executive Governor of the State is vested with exclusive power to reserve all lands within the confines of the State and to hold it in trust for the people of the State.

Providing labour for their livelihood, having realized the fertility of the soil which became a source of attraction birthed incursions that also brought several other groups into the Alago fold such as pastoralists who were equally in need of grazing areas for their herds in large volume.

By sheer kindness and accommodating spirit of the Alago people, more settlers were allowed to settle for the same reason of farming and the fact remains that our people initially perceived them as vagrants in need of temporary shelter hence, the mutual understanding and cordiality.

As the rainy season has set in, the National Executive Council of Alago Development Association on behalf of revered Traditional rulers, Board of Trustees, and the entire Alago Nation hereby sue for peace from various ethnic nationalities living within Alago domains.

We urge the Alago and their neighbouring communities to be law-abiding and conform to good behaviour and accepted norms and values of the society even as they cohabit together in the southern Senatorial District and parts of the Western Senatorial District of the State where they currently reside.

We the Alago people are naturally peaceful, receptive, humble, and open-minded and from time immemorial cherished accommodating visitors in our various abodes or locations.

It is an indisputable fact that the Alago as a nation is never known for originating civil unrest neither is it known for pitching against another or associated with a habitual attitude of fomenting trouble which is why at this point, we appeal for the sustenance of the relative peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in our communities to enable farmers to cultivate their farms for bumper harvest this year.

To this end, we implore all and sundry to as much as possible avoid land disputes, related squabbles, and hostilities that could disrupt farming activities, peace, and harmony in our localities.

it could be recalled that last week, There were a series of attacks between Alagos and Tiv’s over land skirmishes, A situation that led to the death of over eight lives.

Both sides have taken to Social Media platforms accusing each other of attacks.