Traders Protest Alleged Land Takeover in Nasarawa State
Members of the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association have voiced their concerns regarding an alleged takeover of the Old Store land adjacent to the newly constructed Lafia flyover by unidentified individuals. The traders have called for government intervention after discovering unauthorized activities on government property in Lafia.
Historically, this land was occupied by traders; however, it was seized by the state government, which subsequently relocated them to a different area in the state capital. The association’s president, Turaki Gamji, expressed frustration during a protest on Monday, highlighting that this site, once a thriving hub for merchants, has now been marked and excavated by unknown parties.
Gamji noted that the encroachment was first observed on Sunday, prompting an urgent response from both the association and state officials. “We woke up to find our land, which belongs to the Nasarawa State Government, being claimed by unknown individuals who began allocating portions to people we do not recognize,” he stated. Despite their efforts to halt the activities, the assailants returned early the next morning to continue their excavation.
According to Gamji, the land is of considerable historical significance, as it has been inhabited by merchants’ ancestors for over two centuries before being relocated for government-led industrial development. “This is where our great-grandparents lived for over 200 years. The government justified its claim on the land to attract investment,” he explained. “Our people respected the government’s decision, withdrawing from the site after receiving compensation, hoping their descendants would eventually benefit from future developments. Unfortunately, the current situation is quite the opposite,” he lamented.
He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to avoid potential conflicts between local communities. The association’s actions prompted a visit from officials at the Ministry of Lands, including the Permanent Secretary and the Director of Lands and Urban Planning, who assessed the situation on-site.
Gamji recounted that officials expressed surprise at the unauthorized “allocations” and confirmed that the state had not sanctioned any private developments in the area. “The chief secretary and his team assured us that no one can occupy government land without proper authorization from the state government, and they were unaware of the ongoing activities,” Gamji added.
In light of these events, he cautioned the public against falling prey to land fraud schemes and urged potential buyers to perform due diligence at the Ministry of Lands and local government offices prior to purchasing any land. “We advise market participants and members of the public to be vigilant against fraudsters exploiting government properties. If you intend to invest, ensure the legitimacy of the real estate by verifying it beforehand; those who do not may risk losing their funds,” he warned.
Gamji concluded by stating that the association will continue to monitor the site, advocating for its preservation for the investment projects that the state government initially envisioned.
