Traditional rulers of Gwer-West under the leadership of HRH Chief Daniel Abomtse, along with selected APC stakeholders, held a meeting at the Government House in Makurdi last night with Governor Hyacinth Alia. The Governor gave them a total of ₦20 million.
According to the breakdown provided, 75 kindred heads in Gwer-West each received ₦50,000, amounting to ₦3,750,000. Fifteen district heads each received ₦150,000, totalling ₦2,250,000. Chief Daniel Abomtse and the selected APC stakeholders received the remaining ₦14 million.
Governor Alia is asking the people of Gwer-West to provide land in villages bordering the River Benue, from Agagbe down, particularly around Sengev Council Ward, Tyough-Atee/Njaha Ward, Gbange/Tongov Ward, Mbapa, and other surrounding areas. He did not specify the quantity of land required. Information presented at the meeting indicated that foreign investors are interested in using the land for modern farming on a large scale. The Governor said the investment would bring development to the affected communities and help control the River Benue to prevent serious flooding.
The meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. The traditional rulers arrived at the Government House at exactly 10 a.m. and waited until the Governor arrived around 6 p.m. The meeting ended at about 8 p.m. They were also given an attendance register to sign. Some of the traditional rulers did not have accommodation in Makurdi and were compelled to use part of the money they received to lodge in various hotels.
There was a previous land issue last year in which Governor Alia reportedly wanted to use Chief Daniel Abomtse to facilitate the acquisition of land for Fulani interests. Chief Abomtse invited three representatives from each council ward, but they repeatedly declined the request. A similar request is being presented in a different form this time. According to information from the meeting, all 75 kindred heads in Gwer-West were persuaded to sign, alongside the 15 district heads and selected APC stakeholders.
The people of Benue State deserve transparency on the purpose, ownership, quantity, and intended use of any land being requested from their communities.
