Radio Nigeria | 2 April 2025
Farmers protest alleged land grab for Rice Project in Nasarawa
by Chris Nyamtu
More than 2,000 farmers from Obi and Awe Local Government Areas in Nasarawa State have staged a peaceful protest against the alleged seizure of their farmlands by a traditional ruler for a government-backed rice project.
The demonstrators, carrying placards with messages such as “Our land is our only livelihood—don’t take it away!” and “Government tells us to farm, then takes our land—this is injustice!“, marched through Agwatashi, including the palace of the Osoho of Olosoho, Alhaji Umar Apeshi.
Moses Arotu Ikwogya, the leader of the protests, claimed that more than 10,000 hectares of ancestral farmland had been earmarked for the Jangwa Rice Project without their consent.
“Two months ago, the traditional ruler asked us to open bank accounts for compensation, but we refused,” Ikwogya recounted. “These lands were passed down from our forefathers, we have nowhere else to go. We beg Governor Abdullahi Sule to intervene.”
”With the farming season approaching, fears are growing that displacement could leave families without income”. The protesters stated.
Joshua Ayitonu Egye, another protester, demanded an independent probe into the land deal, alleging a lack of transparency.
“No discussions, no fair compensation—just an order to leave,” Egye complained. “If our youths lose their farms, crime may rise. The government must engage us properly.”
He also claimed the dispute has disrupted local trade, as neighboring villages avoid Agwatashi’s market following the ruler’s reported ultimatum for farmers to vacate within three years.
When contacted, the Osoho of Olosoho sent a text message “There is no protest. The land was legally acquired by the state for agriculture”.
Tanko Tunga, the State Agriculture Commissioner, however, expressed surprise, denying knowledge of any forced acquisition and promised to investigate the matter.
With livelihoods at stake, farmers have called for swift government action to resolve the standoff before the planting season begins.
Reporting by Chris Nyamtu; Editing by Muzha Kucha , Adeniyi Bakare and Tony Okerafor
More than 2,000 farmers from Obi and Awe Local Government Areas in Nasarawa State have staged a peaceful protest against the alleged seizure of their farmlands by a traditional ruler for a government-backed rice project.
The demonstrators, carrying placards with messages such as “Our land is our only livelihood—don’t take it away!” and “Government tells us to farm, then takes our land—this is injustice!“, marched through Agwatashi, including the palace of the Osoho of Olosoho, Alhaji Umar Apeshi.
Moses Arotu Ikwogya, the leader of the protests, claimed that more than 10,000 hectares of ancestral farmland had been earmarked for the Jangwa Rice Project without their consent.
“Two months ago, the traditional ruler asked us to open bank accounts for compensation, but we refused,” Ikwogya recounted. “These lands were passed down from our forefathers, we have nowhere else to go. We beg Governor Abdullahi Sule to intervene.”
”With the farming season approaching, fears are growing that displacement could leave families without income”. The protesters stated.
Joshua Ayitonu Egye, another protester, demanded an independent probe into the land deal, alleging a lack of transparency.
“No discussions, no fair compensation—just an order to leave,” Egye complained. “If our youths lose their farms, crime may rise. The government must engage us properly.”
He also claimed the dispute has disrupted local trade, as neighboring villages avoid Agwatashi’s market following the ruler’s reported ultimatum for farmers to vacate within three years.
When contacted, the Osoho of Olosoho sent a text message “There is no protest. The land was legally acquired by the state for agriculture”.
Tanko Tunga, the State Agriculture Commissioner, however, expressed surprise, denying knowledge of any forced acquisition and promised to investigate the matter.
With livelihoods at stake, farmers have called for swift government action to resolve the standoff before the planting season begins.
Reporting by Chris Nyamtu; Editing by Muzha Kucha , Adeniyi Bakare and Tony Okerafor
