From Yakubu Busari, Jos
Five groups in Plateau State have petitioned the state governor, Simon Lalong, over alleged land grabbing by persons believed to be Fulani invaders on native communities.
The groups are Emancipation Centre for Crisis Victims in Nigeria (ECCVN) in collaboration with Atakar Development Association (ADA), Berom Educational and Cultural Organization (BECO), Irigwe Development Association (IDA) and Ron Kunlere Development Association (RKDA),
The petition titled “A petition against land grabbing by Fulani invaders on native communities in parts of Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State“, was submitted to Governor Simon Lalong at the Government House in Little-Rayfield, Jos, through the Secretary to the State Government on 26th November, 2021.
It was signed by Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, Esq. for ECCVN, Mr. Benjamin Shaweng, Chairman of frontline Communities, Da Gyang Dalyop Dudu, President of BECO, Mr. Robert Ashi, President of IDA, Dr. Markus Avom, President of ADA, and Pharm. Aaron Matawal, the Acting National Coordinator of Ron Development Association.
In the 30-paragraph petition, the groups elaborated how at least 102 communities suffered at the hands of the land grabbers while being denied justice by relevant authorities.
The petition comprehensively included the affected communities annexed by alleged invaders in Plateau State, the district, Local Government Area and the time the communities was annexed.
In their estimation, the opportunity cost incurred included, in terms of the denial of access to streams, routes to farms and gardens, dams for irrigation and fish ponds as well as economic trees and plantations; and houses, worship places, Schools and clinics, Markets, shops & kiosks, canteens and restaurants, mills and workshops, transportation inconveniences; Vehicles, Cars, motorcycles, tricycles and bikes amongst others.
“It is also important to note that most of the victims of land grab themselves own Cattle, sheep, Goats, Pigs, Chicken and other animals. Therefore, their losses should include a wide variety of livestock.
” Similarly, in terms of crops, cereals and vegetables, it should be clear that a lot of these form the backbone of subsistence and indeed income of many individuals and households through the production, processing and marketing of cash crops such as Fonio (Accha), Finger-Millet, Peas Sorghum, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Beans, Pepper, Banana, vegetables amongst others.
” In this sense, it is pertinent to note that when an individual or family loses their lands to grabbers for so many years, it is not difficult to establish the direct link between such losses with hunger, unemployment, poverty and apathy.
The petitioners prayed, amongst other things, that the natural and traditional rights of the victims of land grab should be respected, guaranteed and enforced under the extant laws of the land.
They also sought for adequate financial compensation be recommended for payment by culprits, occupiers and government to victims for the losses and disruption on account of land grab and annexation of other properties.
The petitioners also copied their representatives in the National and State assemblies, traditional rulers, National Human Rights Commission, Chairpersons of the affected local governments, DSS, Police and other relevant agencies of government.
