By Felix Kaagba

Residents of Mbaviohor community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State have raised concerns after personnel of the Nigerian Air Force reportedly ordered them to vacate their land. The development is said to be at odds with an earlier directive by a House of Representatives committee halting further action pending investigation.
The situation has heightened tension in the area, with calls for clarification from relevant authorities.

Personnel from the Nigerian Air Force in Makurdi, Benue State, on Saturday reportedly visited Mbaviohor community in Gbemacha Council Ward, Gwer East, and instructed residents to vacate their land within a few days.

According to community sources, the officers warned that failure to comply with the directive could result in enforcement action. Residents, many of whom claim longstanding occupation of the land, expressed concern over the notice and its implications.

The reported directive comes amid an ongoing review by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, which had earlier directed that all parties maintain the status quo pending the outcome of its investigation into the dispute.

Sources familiar with the matter say the committee’s intervention followed a petition regarding the ownership and use of the land, although details of the petition have not been publicly disclosed.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Makurdi command of the Nigerian Air Force confirming or denying the reported directive. Similarly, the committee has not issued a fresh statement regarding the latest development.

The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders calling for adherence to due process and clear communication from relevant authorities.