The District Head of Miango in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Daniel Chega, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to approve the immediate release of compensation funds for lands acquired for the establishment of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, home to the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army.
Chega made the appeal while addressing youths, widows, orphans and other stakeholders affected by the acquisition on Friday in Miango District in Bassa LGA of the State.
The paramount ruler decried decades of delay and lack of adequate response by the Federal Government since the land was acquired in 1972.
According to the traditional ruler, “the prolonged delay in compensation payment has continued to inflict hardship on affected families who lost farmlands and sources of livelihood following the acquisition.
He disclosed that, “a joint assessment of affected properties and farmlands had earlier been conducted by officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ministry of Defence, the Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, alongside consultants, and the report had already been submitted to the Ministry of Defence.
Chega said despite repeated follow-up visits and reminders to relevant government agencies, including the Ministries of Defence and Works and Housing, “no payment has been made and no clear timeline communicated.”
“My people have demonstrated patience, understanding and cooperation over the years, but the prolonged delay has created severe economic hardship and is beginning to threaten peace and stability within the affected communities,” he said.
The monarch further revealed that in search of a resolution, he led representatives of the community on a courtesy visit to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, who sympathised with their situation and assured them of efforts towards addressing the matter.”
He also called on the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs and the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, to “intervene urgently to facilitate compensation payment and ensure justice for the affected communities.”
While reaffirming the community’s support for government policies and development initiatives, Chief Chega stressed that, “many families remain displaced and without sustainable means of livelihood as a result of the land acquisition.”
He maintained that the demand for compensation was legitimate and expressed hope that the current administration would act swiftly to provide relief and restore confidence among affected residents.
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