Benue Lands Ministry Suspends Consultants, Moves to Curb Illegal Land Deals

The Benue State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals has suspended all consultants and contractors engaged in land planning and survey activities across the state, as part of a sweeping crackdown on alleged irregularities and illegal land transactions.

The suspension was announced on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, during a meeting with leaders of the Ugondo Community at the residence of the District Head, Tyoor Terseer Ihwakar, in Makurdi Local Government Area.

Dr. Ikyaan said the action followed a comprehensive review of complaints from the public and several ongoing court cases linked to land administration in the state. According to him, investigations revealed widespread malpractices, including forged signatures on land allocation documents, installation of illegal survey beacons, inflated settlement fees, unauthorized land reviews, and deliberate attempts to deny rightful owners access to government-allocated land.

“The ministry will no longer tolerate these illegal practices. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the commissioner warned.

He advised members of the public to always verify the authenticity of land allocation documents directly with the ministry before engaging in any land transaction, stressing that due diligence remains the best safeguard against fraud.

During the visit, the ministry also reached an agreement with the Ugondo Community to harmonize settlement fees, a move aimed at ensuring uniform charges across local communities and eliminating arbitrary levies.

Community leaders, including Zaki Joseph Akaana and District Head Zaki Terseer Ihwakar, commended the ministry for its decisive intervention, describing it as a step in the right direction toward restoring transparency and order in land administration. They expressed confidence in the ministry’s commitment to protecting the interests of genuine landowners.

Dr. Ikyaan was accompanied by senior officials of the ministry, including the Surveyor General, Surv. Emmanuel Nôngo; Directors of Administration, Lands and Town Planning; Deeds Registrar Terfa Yainjô; Assistant Surveyor General Surv. Joshua Ashir; Principal Administrative Officer Miss Mwuese Akange; and Information Officer Mrs. Nguungwan Leke.

The ministry reaffirmed its resolve to reform land administration processes and safeguard public trust in the system.