Students in Makurdi Face Abrupt Eviction After Landlord Sells Rented Apartment

In a troubling incident reported from Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, a group of students has been forced to vacate their rented apartment without any refund or compensation, despite having paid rent that had not yet expired. The case, which has drawn public attention through social media appeals, highlights ongoing challenges in tenant-landlord relations, particularly for students in Nigeria’s university towns.

According to accounts shared by a community figure assisting the affected students, the tenants—primarily university students—had duly paid their rent, with some having recently renewed their agreements. The original landlord then sold the property to a new owner. The new owner promptly issued a notice to the occupants, demanding they vacate immediately because they intended to demolish the building and redevelop it. The students were reportedly compelled to leave without reimbursement for the unused portion of their prepaid rent or any form of compensation for the disruption and relocation costs.

This situation has sparked debate about fairness and legal protections for tenants in such circumstances. In Nigeria, tenancy matters are largely governed by state-specific laws, including provisions for recovery of premises and tenant rights. A key principle upheld in various judicial decisions is that the sale of a property does not automatically terminate an existing tenancy. The new owner generally steps into the shoes of the previous landlord and must honor the remaining term of valid tenancy agreements. Forceful eviction without following due process—such as serving proper notices and obtaining a court order where necessary—is prohibited, and self-help measures by landlords or new owners are frowned upon by the courts.

Regarding prepaid rent, Nigerian tenancy practices and legal interpretations often treat rent as consideration for the period of occupation. When a tenancy is disrupted through no fault of the tenant, particularly due to actions like a sale leading to early termination, tenants may have grounds to claim a refund for the unexpired portion, especially if the eviction deviates from agreed terms or statutory requirements. However, outcomes can vary depending on the specifics of the tenancy agreement, the applicable state law (in this case, Benue State’s Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law), and whether the matter escalates to a rent tribunal or court.

Benue State has seen recurring complaints about housing affordability and landlord practices, including arbitrary actions that burden residents, particularly students who often rely on affordable, short-term rentals near institutions like Benue State University or the Federal University of Agriculture. Calls have been made in recent times for stronger rent control measures and better enforcement to protect vulnerable tenants from exploitative situations.

The affected students have sought assistance from local advocates, raising questions about whether the new owner’s redevelopment plans justify overriding tenancy rights without compensation. Legal experts generally advise tenants in similar predicaments to document all payments and communications, avoid vacating under duress if possible, and pursue remedies through formal channels such as a magistrate court or rent control mechanisms, which could include demands for prorated rent refunds or damages for unlawful eviction.

This incident serves as a reminder of the need for clearer awareness of tenancy laws among both landlords and tenants. While property owners have rights to manage or sell their assets, tenants—especially students facing academic pressures and limited resources—deserve protection from abrupt displacements that impose undue hardship. As the story gains traction, it may prompt renewed discussions on balancing property rights with tenant security in Benue and beyond.