Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has rejected documents submitted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during a public hearing on an ongoing land dispute involving the Mbaviohor (Gbemacha) community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a detailed Facebook post by Prince ES Moughshor, it was reported that at the hearing held on April 30, 2026, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the committee, chaired by Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, ruled that the documents presented by NAF representatives could not be admitted because they were not properly certified.
The Nigerian Air Force was represented at the hearing by Group Captain Suleiman Labbo and Squadron Leader Osariyekemwen Stacy Ogunrobo, who submitted the disputed documents on behalf of the institution.
In its ruling, the Committee directed the Nigerian Air Force to provide certified true copies of all relevant documents within two weeks. It also ordered that the current situation on the disputed land remain unchanged, effectively placing a freeze on any further action by the Air Force until the matter is fully resolved.
The case stems from a petition filed on January 29, 2026, by Hon. Asema Achado, representing the Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency. The petition alleges repeated physical assaults, destruction of farmlands, land grabbing, and intimidation of residents by the Air Force.
Legal counsel to the petitioners, Barrister Godwin Buluku, welcomed the committee’s decision, describing it as a reinforcement of due process. He stated that the Gbemacha community is ready to respond once the Air Force submits the properly certified documents.
The hearing has been adjourned to June 2, 2026, pending compliance by the Nigerian Air Force.
Hon. Asema Achado, in his closing remarks, praised the Committee for its fairness and urged members of the affected community to remain calm.
This development is seen as a temporary relief for the Mbaviohor community, which had earlier raised alarm over an eviction order issued by the Air Force despite the ongoing parliamentary investigation.
