Nasarawa traders protest ‘illegal takeover’ of business premises

Traders in Nasarawa State have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as the hijacking of a historically significant land parcel. The Old Store land, adjacent to the new Lafia flyover, was allegedly encroached upon by influential individuals who began demarcating and allocating plots. This action has sparked protests and calls for government intervention.

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We woke up yesterday, Sunday, and we saw that one of the lands owned by the Nasarawa State Government is being encroached by an unknown person. The person has started sharing the land and allocating it to people we cannot identify.

The traders, represented by the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association, lament the disrespect shown to their heritage. They explain that the land was ancestral ground for over two centuries before the state government acquired it for development purposes, relocating them with the promise of future benefits from investments. The current alleged encroachment is seen as a betrayal of that trust.

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We stopped them yesterday, but as early as 6:00 am today, they came back and started digging the place again.

Officials from the Ministry of Lands have visited the site, acknowledging the traders' concerns. They have reportedly denied any knowledge of new allocations and affirmed that the state government has not authorized any private development on the land. This assurance, however, does little to quell the immediate tension and the traders' demand for the protection of their historical and economic interests.

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This place was occupied by our great-grandparents for more than 200 years. The government required the land to attract development and investors. Our people respected the government and withdrew from the place after being compensated, believing that their grandchildren would benefit from future investments. But look at the results we are seeing today.