The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has cautioned traditional rulers in Benue State against participating in any land arrangement that could allegedly deprive communities of their ancestral inheritance without proper consultation.
The group’s warning followed reports of a meeting at Government House, Makurdi, involving traditional rulers from Gwer West and selected APC stakeholders over a proposal reportedly seeking land for large-scale modern agriculture and flood control.
ATD President, Jerome Zoho, made the position known in a statement issued on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Group Questions Land Proposal
According to the organisation, the state government has not adequately disclosed the size of land required, identities of the proposed foreign investors, terms of acquisition or ownership structure of the proposed project.
ATD also questioned reports that approximately ₦20 million was distributed during the meeting, with attendees reportedly signing a register.
The group demanded that Governor Hyacinth Alia explain the purpose of the payment and disclose the content and purpose of any document signed by the traditional rulers and other participants.
Traditional Institutions Must Protect Communities
ATD said traditional rulers are custodians of the heritage of their communities and should not be reduced to instruments for legitimising land arrangements that have not been properly explained to the people.
It urged traditional rulers to demand complete disclosure before associating themselves with any proposed transfer or allocation of community land.
The organisation also warned that traditional rulers should not assume personal ownership of communal land.
According to the group, affected landholding families and communities must be directly involved in decisions concerning their ancestral land.
Investor Identities Must Be Revealed
ATD challenged Governor Alia to publish the names of the proposed investors, the amount of land required and all communities that would be affected.
The group also called for the publication of any Memorandum of Understanding, investment proposal or other relevant documents.
It said the state government should clarify whether the proposed project has any connection with communal ranches, grazing reserves, livestock settlements or other pastoral arrangements.
ATD Calls for Immediate Suspension
The organisation demanded the suspension of all processes relating to the proposed land acquisition until the government provides full information and secures informed agreement from affected communities.
It said Benue’s history of displacement and insecurity made transparency on land matters particularly important.
ATD maintained that investment and development should not be pursued through secrecy or inducement.
The group urged Governor Alia to “retrace his steps” and put all details of the proposed project before the people.
“Benue belongs to its people. Our land is our inheritance. It is not Governor Alia’s property to give away,” the statement said.