The National Leader of the Bassa Community in Nasarawa State, Hon. Samson Daudu, has called on both state and federal governments to urgently issue a clear and official pronouncement to enable the safe return of displaced Bassa people to their ancestral lands.
Speaking during a press conference with journalists in Lafia, Hon. Daudu raised alarm over the widespread misinformation suggesting that the Bassa have fully returned home following the communal clashes that led to their displacement nearly seven years ago.
He clarified that over 99.9% of the Bassa population are still living in various parts of the country as internally displaced persons. “The claim that our people have returned is simply not true,” he said.
“I challenge any concerned citizen or journalist to visit our villages and verify whether our people have indeed gone back.”
According to him, while efforts have been made to facilitate their return, the process has been hampered by misrepresentation and the actions of individuals who misled the public and those with genuine intentions.
He stated that the Bassa people are ready and willing to return once a government pronouncement is made.
“We are here to set the records straight. The Bassa people are yearning to return home. We are already in May, heading into June — the critical months for farming,” he emphasized.
“Our people are predominantly farmers. A timely government directive would allow them to clear their lands and begin planting before the season passes.”
Hon. Daudu appealed to the government to expedite the process and provide the necessary support to enable his people to rebuild their lives in peace and dignity.
He reaffirmed the Bassa community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on stakeholders to support the call for a swift return.
