Local Farmers Accuse Nasarawa Officials of Illegally Harvesting their Rice

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Farmers in Anyarkeke, Ikyochiha, Shankodi and China communities of Ribi District in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State are accusing the state government officials of harvesting their rice farms.

They claimed their rice were being forcefully harvested by individuals led by the Chief of Jangwa, Shehu Adamu, allegedly acting under the order from the state government.

Narrating ordeals of his people to THISDAY who visited the communities at the weekend, the communities leader, Mr. Iorlaha Alloysius, accused the state government of acting contrary to a court order and ignoring the farmers’ rights.

According to him, “The land is not under dispute, and a High Court in Abuja had restrained the state government or any party from interfering with the Tiv farmers.

“If the government wants the land, they should call for dialogue instead of harvesting our crops without notice. This is unjust and inhuman.”

The farmers estimated that over 400 bags of rice had already been harvested from their farms, leaving them in dire straits.

When contacted, the Chairman of Awe Local Government Area, Umar Dan’Akano, denied any involvement of the government in the allegations.