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ATD Demands Names of Investors, Land Size, Ownership Terms
The Alliance for Truth and Democracy (ATD) has demanded full disclosure from Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia over reports of a proposed land arrangement involving communities in Gwer West Local Government Area.
The group said it was particularly concerned about reports of a meeting at Government House, Makurdi, where traditional rulers from Gwer West and selected APC stakeholders were reportedly engaged over a proposal involving land for large-scale agriculture and flood control.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 22, 2026, ATD President, Jerome Zoho, said the circumstances surrounding the proposal raised questions that required urgent answers from the state government.
The group said the government should disclose the amount of land required, identify the alleged foreign investors and explain the ownership and operational structure of the proposed project.
ATD Questions Reported ₦20m Distribution
The organisation also questioned reports that approximately ₦20 million was distributed at the meeting to kindred heads, district heads and other participants.
According to ATD, attendees were reportedly required to sign a register.
The group therefore asked Governor Alia to clarify the purpose of the payment and explain the nature of the document or register signed by participants.
“Why should money be distributed at a meeting at which the government is seeking ancestral land from communities?” the group asked.
ATD said the people of Benue deserved transparency on any development project that could affect community land.
‘Benue Land Is Not for Sale’
The organisation maintained that ancestral land should not be transferred through secret negotiations or arrangements that exclude the actual landowners.
It argued that land belongs to families, clans and communities whose generations have lived and farmed on it.
The group warned that no meeting allowance, signature or Government House gathering should automatically be interpreted as community consent for land acquisition.
Investor Details Must Be Published
ATD challenged the state government to publish the identities of the investors, proposed acreage and list of affected communities.
It also called for the publication of any Memorandum of Understanding, proposal or other documents associated with the project.
The organisation said the ownership structure of the proposed investment should also be made public.
It further urged the government to clarify whether the proposed land acquisition had any connection with livestock settlements, communal ranches, grazing reserves or other arrangements involving pastoral interests.
Call for Community Consultation
The group said traditional rulers should not be placed in a position where they could be perceived as endorsing land arrangements without the informed consent of their communities.
ATD insisted that landholding families and affected communities must be properly consulted before any land is released.
It called on Governor Alia to suspend the process until all relevant information is made public and the affected communities are given an opportunity to make informed decisions.
The group concluded that genuine investment should be pursued through transparency, consultation and respect for community land rights.