In a statement by the National President of the Alago Development Association (ADA), Amin Dan Elegu, FCNA, the association has issued an urgent plea for peace from various ethnic nationalities residing within Alago territories as the rainy season begins. The National Executive Council, representing traditional rulers, the Board of Trustees, and the entire Alago Nation, emphasized the importance of harmony and law-abiding behavior in both the southern and western senatorial districts of the state.
The ADA highlighted the Alago people's historical reputation for being peaceful, receptive, and accommodating. They urged communities to avoid land disputes and hostilities that could disrupt farming activities and the overall peace and harmony of the area.
Reflecting on the historical context, the ADA noted that the Alago Nation has never been associated with civil unrest or land disputes. They cited the Land Use Act of 1978, which vests the state governor with the authority to manage land in trust for the people, a power that extends to local government chairmen and traditional rulers.
The ADA called on all settler communities, including pastoralists, to respect this law and cooperate with government and traditional institutions to foster development. They clarified that permission to settle and farm should not be mistaken for ceding land ownership.
The association expressed regret over recent violent incidents attributed to settlers, condemning the attacks on innocent Alago farmers. They urged the authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice, reiterating their commitment to peace and resilience in the face of aggression.
The ADA concluded by urging all residents within Alago territories to embrace peace for the sake of development and prosperity in Nasarawa State.
