Nasarawa Traders Raise Alarm Over Illegal Sales of Government Land in Lafia
In a significant development, traders operating under the Nasarawa State chapter of the Traders and Marketers Association have voiced serious concerns regarding the illegal sale of government-owned land within Lafia, the state capital. This issue has sparked tension among the local business community, prompting calls for immediate action to address the situation.
Press Conference Highlights Concerns
Ahj. Turaki Gamji, the State Chairman of the traders' association, brought this matter to public attention during a press conference held in Lafia. He detailed how the land in question was originally used by traders to build their stores before the government relocated these businesses to Kwandere Road in Lafia. According to Gamji, the traders complied with the relocation, believing that the government intended to use the land for developmental projects that would benefit the wider community.
Gamji explained, "Our members had willingly surrendered the place to the government for development that will benefit the public, and we cannot allow individuals to illegally sell it for selfish reasons. Recently, we discovered that some persons were attempting to develop the land, claiming it had been sold to them by someone from Lafia. When we inquired, we were told the land had been sold. By who? On whose authority? This is government land meant for the public."
Call for Government Intervention
The traders have urgently appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule, specifically through the Ministry of Lands, to intervene in this matter. They emphasized the need to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order in the state, highlighting the importance of maintaining public trust and ensuring that government assets are used appropriately for communal benefit.
Official Response from the Ministry
In response to the escalating situation, Mr. David Moyi, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, visited the site along with other management staff from the ministry. He firmly denied authorizing any sale of the land or allocating it to any individual or group. Moyi stated, "The ministry has not approved any such transaction, and we are committed to investigating this encroachment thoroughly."
He further explained that the ministry would immediately launch an investigation into the alleged illegal activities, pledging to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the unauthorized sale. This move aims to restore confidence among the traders and ensure that government land is managed transparently and lawfully.
The situation remains under close watch as authorities work to resolve the dispute and uphold the rule of law in Nasarawa State.
