Benue State Moves to Resolve Long-standing Land Disputes Between Military Formations, Ugondo and Mbaivur communities

The Benue State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, in collaboration with the State House of Assembly Committee on Land Matters, has taken a significant step towards resolving ongoing land disputes between military institutions and host communities in the state.

On Thursday, 7th May 2026, the ministry convened a high-level meeting with representatives of the Ugondo and Mbaivur communities in Makurdi and Gwer Local Government Areas, the Isher ev (Sher ev) community of North Bank, Makurdi, as well as officials from the Nigerian Air Force Base, Nigerian Army, NASME, 72 Special Forces, and other security formations.

The meeting was presided over by the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan. In his opening remarks, the Commissioner explained that the House Committee on Land Matters had approached the ministry to summon the stakeholders in order to address serious concerns raised by constituents.

Hon. Peter Uche, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Land Matters, stated that the committee had received multiple complaints of alleged land grabbing, intimidation, harassment, and even torture by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, NASME, and 72 Special Forces. He emphasized the need to probe these allegations and called for the submission of title documents and other relevant papers from all parties to establish rightful ownership of the disputed lands and bring the matter to a permanent resolution.

During the meeting, the Nigerian Air Force Base Commander, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, explained that the land in question has been in the possession of the force since 1977, covered by survey plans and beacons, with no additional land acquired except for seven hectares granted by a High Court judgment, which is currently under appeal. He denied allegations of harassment and intimidation, urging anyone with proof of such issues to present them for necessary action.

Community representatives, however, maintained their position. Speaking through their spokesperson, Comr. Azende Ter nenge, the Ugondo and Mbaivur communities alleged that their people have suffered greatly at the hands of the military, including the torture to death of one resident. They claimed portions of the land were only given to the military on a temporary basis or rented out at the rate of N8,000 per plot.

The Isher ev community of North Bank, represented by Michael Bagu and Yahembe Aloysius, also insisted that the land being claimed by the Army from NASME and 72 Special Forces was allocated on a temporary basis and does not belong to the military permanently.

In response to documents presented by the communities, Lt. Col. Agwom promised to verify the necessary papers and confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff had been notified. The meeting agreed that Lt. Col. Agwom should confirm the documents while the ministry and state assembly await compliance to lay the matter to rest.

The well-attended meeting, which also featured traditional rulers and other stakeholders, underscores the state government’s commitment to addressing these sensitive land issues through dialogue and due process.

The resolution of these disputes is expected to ease tensions, restore peaceful coexistence between the military formations and their host communities, and prevent further escalation in the affected areas of Makurdi and its environs.

This development comes after months of complaints and interventions by the Benue State House of Assembly on the matter. Further updates are expected as the verification process continues.