The Tiv indigenes of Nasarawa State have expressed deep disappointment over a recent press release issued by the Alago Ikweiyi Gbayi Development Union (AIGDU), which responded to remarks made by His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue State on June 18, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Tiv Development Association (TIDA), the group described the AIGDU release as "shocking, disappointing, and insensitive," particularly in light of the recent massacre of over 200 people in Yelewata. They accused the Alago group of issuing a statement that appeared to "celebrate or justify" the killings, calling it a "gross display of insensitivity" that disregards the pain of victims’ families and offends the conscience of humanity.

TIDA firmly condemned both the tone and content of AIGDU’s response, stressing that it does not reflect the values of the wider Alago community, which includes both Christians and Muslims known for their belief in peace and the sanctity of human life.

The Tiv group clarified that its initial communication to President Tinubu was a lawful and legitimate appeal for justice over the forced acquisition of Tiv ancestral lands in Nasarawa State. They emphasized that the letter was not targeted at any ethnic group, including the Alago people, whom they regard as neighbours and brothers.

“It is disturbing that the Alago group, rather than the state government, has positioned itself as the loudest defender of the controversial land acquisition—an action we believe they would not tolerate if it were directed at their own ancestral lands,” the statement read.

TIDA further asserted that the lands in question are historically Tiv territories, passed down through generations, and rejected what they described as attempts by AIGDU to distort history for selfish gains.

Despite what it called repeated provocations, the Tiv Development Association reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and dialogue. It urged responsible Alago leaders to refrain from inflammatory comments and instead join hands in seeking justice and fairness for all communities in Nasarawa State.

“As President Tinubu visits Nasarawa, we reiterate our desire for peace and unity between the Tiv and Alago people,” the statement concluded. “We must stand together against injustice and ensure that no ethnic group suffers the fate that has befallen the Tiv nation.”

The statement was signed by Prof. Emmanuel Iornumbe Kucha, Acting President of the Tiv Development Association, Nasarawa State.