From Godwin Agia, Jalingo
Residents of Piou Community in Bali, Taraba State, are urgently requesting security protection from the state government. Mr. Michael Dadu, the leader of the Tiv community in Piou, addressed the press in Jalingo on Saturday, expressing concerns about threats of violence from buyers who acquired their farmlands, previously seized and sold by Piou's traditional leaders.
Dadu recounted that the Chairman of Bali Local Government, Hon. Aboki Dauda, had instructed the traditional ruler of Zudai, Mallam Mijinyawa Mohammed, to return over 4,000 hectares of farmland seized from the Tiv community. Despite this directive, the Tiv community now faces serious threats to their lives and safety, with some buyers occupying the land and carrying various weapons.
These illegal occupants are even demolishing existing structures to build their own houses. Dadu emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that if any harm befalls members of the Tiv community in Piou, the Kindred Head should be held accountable.
"We are constantly threatened with violence by those who purchased our farmlands," Dadu stated. "They brandish weapons and intimidate us with the prospect of violent attacks. They have destroyed our homes, wells, graves, and trees, and are now erecting buildings on our land."
He called on the state and local governments, as well as security agencies, to swiftly intervene to restore peace in their community. Dadu emphasized the community's commitment to the law and expressed confidence in the government's ability to resolve the situation.
"Our daily reality resembles 'Nightfall in Soweto,' where fear and tribulations dominate the environment," he added.
Our reporter says the Bali Local Government Council had previously instructed the traditional ruler of Zudai to return the seized farmlands within two weeks.
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