Plateau community urges Tinubu to release compensation for land acquired for Military barracks since 1972

District Head Urges Presidential Action on Land Compensation in Plateau State

BASSA, Plateau State — Daniel Chega, the District Head of Miango, has called on President Bola Tinubu to expedite the release of compensation funds for lands acquired for the establishment of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, located in Jos as part of the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army.

Chega made his appeal on Friday during a meeting with local youths, widows, orphans, and other stakeholders who have been impacted by the land acquisition. Highlighting the prolonged delays in compensation, he criticized the Federal Government’s lack of response since the land was acquired in 1972.

“The prolonged delay in compensation payments has inflicted hardship on families who lost their farmlands and sources of livelihood,” Chega stated.

He noted that a joint assessment of the affected properties and farmlands was conducted by officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ministry of Defence, and the Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, among others. The findings had been submitted to the Ministry of Defence, yet no payments have been made, nor has a timeline been communicated to the community.

“Our people have shown patience and cooperation over the years, but this delay is creating severe economic hardship and threatening peace within the affected communities,” Chega said.

In search of a resolution, Chega recently led community representatives on a courtesy visit to Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters. Masari expressed sympathy for their plight and assured them that efforts would be made to address the issue.

Chega has also urged intercession from the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa to facilitate the compensation process.

While reaffirming the community’s commitment to supporting government initiatives, Chega emphasized that many families remain displaced and without sustainable livelihoods due to the land acquisition. He expressed hope that the current administration would act promptly to provide the needed relief and restore confidence among affected residents.

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