Land Dispute: Tiv Community in Bali Seeks Security Support
By Lynn Adda
Residents of Piou Community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State have called for urgent security protection from the state government.
The Leader of the Tiv Community in Piou, Mr. Michael Dadu, made the call was addressing the press in Jalingo.
He expressed concern over the threats of violence from those who acquired their farmlands, previously seized and sold by the traditional leaders of Piou.
Mr Dadu recounted that the current Chairman of Bali Local Government, had instructed the traditional ruler of Zudai, Mallam Mijinyawa Mohammed to return over 4,000 hectares of farmland seized from the Tiv community.
He regretted that despite the directive, the Tiv community now faces serious threats to their lives from some of buyers occupying the land who are carrying various weapons.
According to him, some occupants are demolishing existing structures to build their own houses, 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”.
“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.
The Tiv leader 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.
