The umbrella body of the Tiv people in Nasarawa State, Tiv Development Association, has lauded the efforts of Governor Abdullahi Sule, to return its kinsmen to their ancestral homes since they were massively displaced in year 2022 by suspected herdsmen in the state.
The association, however said despite the Governor’s efforts in ensuring that the Internally Displaced Persons return to their communities, most of them were still taking refuge in IDP camps across the state for fear of being attacked by the bandits.
Speaking on Sunday in the Obi Local Government Area of the state during the 2024 Tiv Day Celebration, the TIDA President, Solomon Chunku, appealed to the Governor to urgently look into the matter, and assist in ensuring that his kinsmen return to their home towns in order for them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the state and Nigeria at large.
Chunku further appealed for the creation of Tiv chiefdoms by the Nasarawa State government in order to give them a complete sense of belonging and for the peace and development of the state.
“Your Excellency Sir, we are grateful as a community for considering a great number of our sons and daughters into your government at different levels for political appointments, but we are still requesting for more considering our effective population in the state.
“As Oliver Twist, after acknowledging your considerations to the Tiv community, I would like to bring to your notice that despite your peace efforts, there are still some number of Tiv IDPs who are yet to return to their ancestral homes.
“We also wish to inform you that we do not have a traditional stool despite our number and political participation.
“We shall be most grateful if Your Excellency as God’s sent, will liberate us from these decades of neglect, and consider the creation of chiefdom(s) headed by Tiv extractions so that the Tiv people can feel a complete sense of belonging,” the TIDA President said.
On his part, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Government House Administration, Umar Idris, promised to look into the demands raised by the association.
Sule further congratulated TIDA for the developmental strides it had recorded in the past years, while assuring that his administration would continue to prioritise the peace and development of the state at all times.
In his speech, the Guest Speaker and one time House of Representatives Member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Barr. Emmanuel Jime, advised the Tiv parents in the state to ensure that they take full responsibility for the education of their children, especially the girl child.
“Ensure that the girl child education is taken seriously so that they will not be forced into early marriages. Do not engage in politics that would divide your community but you should recognize that your membership of a political party is for the good of the people and for the unity of the Tiv nation,” Jime advised.
Our correspondent reports that the ceremony witnessed the award of traditional titles on deserving individuals including: the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia who was awarded with the title of “Nom Yange U Tiv; Barr. Emmanuel Jime as ” Tso U Tiv”; while the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba was awarded the title of “Imenger -I- Tiv in the state, among others.
