Traders in Nasarawa State have staged a protest over what they described as the illegal takeover of a government-owned business property in Lafia.
The protesters, operating under the umbrella of the Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association, accused unidentified but influential individuals of attempting to seize the Old Store land located beside the newly constructed Lafia flyover.
The association is now calling on the state government to urgently intervene, investigate the alleged encroachment, and protect the land from unauthorized occupation.
Disputed Land Holds Historical and Economic Significance
According to the traders, the disputed property was originally occupied by their members and their ancestors for generations before the government later acquired it for development purposes.
They explained that the land, popularly known as the Old Store area, had long served as a commercial base for local traders before authorities took over the property and relocated them to another part of Lafia.
The traders said they accepted the relocation in good faith after being compensated, believing the land would be used for industrial growth, investment projects, and economic development that would benefit future generations.
However, they now fear that instead of being used for public interest, the property may be quietly transferred into private hands.
Protest Erupts Over Alleged Encroachment
During the protest held on Monday, the association’s chairman, Turaki Gamji, said members discovered suspicious activity on the land over the weekend.
According to him, unknown persons had entered the site, begun dividing the property into plots, and allegedly started allocating portions to unidentified individuals.
Gamji said the traders first noticed the development on Sunday and immediately challenged those involved.
He explained that despite efforts to stop the activity, the individuals reportedly returned early Monday morning and resumed excavation and demarcation work.
“We woke up on Sunday and saw that one of the lands owned by the Nasarawa State Government was being encroached upon by an unknown person. The person started sharing the land and allocating it to people we cannot identify,” he said.
He added that after being confronted, the group came back the next morning.
“We stopped them yesterday, but as early as 6:00 a.m. today, they returned and started digging the place again.”
Traders Say Land Was Sacrificed for Development
Gamji stressed that the land carries deep emotional and historical value for the trader community.
He said their forefathers had occupied the area for more than 200 years before surrendering it to the government in the interest of progress.
According to him, community members willingly relocated because they believed the government intended to attract industries, investors, and job opportunities to the site.
“This place was occupied by our great-grandparents for more than 200 years. The government required the land to attract development and investors,” he said.
He noted that many traders accepted compensation and relocation because they hoped their children and grandchildren would eventually benefit from future economic projects on the land.
Now, however, many feel betrayed by the alleged private occupation of the site.
Tension Nearly Escalated
The protest reportedly created tension in the area, with community members expressing anger over the alleged land sharing.
Gamji said the situation nearly degenerated into a physical confrontation before authorities stepped in.
He credited the association’s leadership and state officials for calming the situation and preventing unrest.
Given the historical connection many traders have with the land, emotions reportedly ran high as members feared losing the property permanently.
Ministry of Lands Officials Visit Site
Following the protest, officials from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Lands reportedly visited the disputed site to assess the situation.
Gamji said the delegation included the Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary, and the Director of Lands and Town Planning.
According to the association chairman, the officials denied authorizing any allocation of the land or approving private development on the property.
He said the ministry assured traders that no one has the right to occupy government land without valid documentation and official approval.
“The Commissioner and his team have assured us that nobody can occupy government property without a valid allocation or proof from the state government. They said they knew nothing about what is happening here,” Gamji stated.
The traders say they now expect swift action from the government to secure the property and identify those behind the alleged encroachment.
Warning Against Land Fraud
Gamji also used the opportunity to warn members of the public against falling victim to land scammers.
He advised anyone interested in purchasing land in Lafia or elsewhere in the state to first verify ownership and title documents through official government channels.
According to him, individuals buying plots on the disputed Old Store land risk losing their money if the allocations are found to be fraudulent.
“I am drawing the attention of marketers and the public to be careful of people carrying out fraudulent activities with government properties,” he warned.
He urged prospective buyers to confirm all land transactions with the Ministry of Lands or relevant local government authorities before making payments.
Traders Vow Continued Vigilance
The Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association says it will continue monitoring the property to ensure it is not illegally occupied.
Gamji said the association remains committed to protecting the land until the government clearly states its plans for the site.
He added that traders want the property preserved for the investment and development purposes originally promised when they were relocated.
According to him, allowing unauthorized persons to seize the land would undermine public trust and discourage citizens from cooperating with future government development projects.
Wider Concerns Over Land Administration
The incident has also raised broader concerns about land management, transparency, and urban development in growing state capitals like Lafia.
As cities expand and land values increase, disputes over ownership, allocation, and government property have become more common in many parts of Nigeria.
Observers say governments must strengthen land records, improve public communication, and enforce due process to avoid conflicts and fraud.
Where public land is involved, citizens often expect transparency, especially when communities previously gave up property for development reasons.
Calls for Government Action
The protesting traders are now urging the Nasarawa State Government to:
- Investigate the alleged illegal allocations
- Identify individuals behind the encroachment
- Stop all unauthorized activity on the site
- Protect government property from land grabbers
- Clarify future development plans for the land
- Ensure transparency in all land administration matters
Many say a prompt response is necessary to restore confidence and prevent further tension.
