A socio-cultural organisation, the Alago Ikweyi Gbayi Development Union (AIGDU) in Nasarawa State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the National Boundary Commission to urgently conduct a physical assessment and clear demarcation of the boundary between Nasarawa and Benue States to address recurring violent attacks in the region.
The group made the appeal in a statement signed by its President, Mohammed Oshafu, and Publicity Secretary, Hassan Ozegya, and released on Sunday in Lafia, the state capital. The union said a properly defined boundary would help stem the tide of gunmen attacks that have resulted in the deaths of many innocent people, including women and children.
The statement was issued in response to recent comments by the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, during President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State following the deadly attacks on Yelwata, a border community between the two states. The Tor Tiv had alleged that Tiv indigenes residing in Nasarawa were being oppressed and dispossessed of their ancestral lands, and wrongly labeled as non-indigenes.
In reaction, AIGDU dismissed the claims as inaccurate, particularly in the Keana, Obi, and Awe Local Government Areas, which they described as historically peaceful and accommodating to all ethnic groups, including the Tiv.
“Yelwata is an Alago village, shared with the Gwandara people. The Tiv only settled there later. Historical records, colonial documentation, and even Google Maps confirm that Yelwata is firmly within Keana LGA of Nasarawa State,” the statement said.
While condemning the violence and distancing itself from the ongoing conflict and its causes, the group emphasized that the Tiv people do not possess ancestral claims to lands in Keana, Obi, or Awe, asserting that the original inhabitants and landowners are the Alago people.
Despite rejecting the Tor Tiv’s allegations, the group extended its condolences to the families affected by the attacks and praised President Tinubu for his swift intervention and condolence visit to the affected communities.
“AIGDU expresses deep sympathy to the people of Nasarawa and Benue States over the tragic incident in Yelwata. Our call for proper boundary demarcation is aimed at clarifying administrative and political jurisdictions, and ensuring lasting peace, security, and development for both states,” the group stated.
They urged the federal government to act promptly to prevent further conflict and loss of life along the Nasarawa-Benue border.
