Landowners whose property hosts the Federal University, Wukari, have raised alarm over the prolonged non-payment of compensation owed to them by the Taraba State government.

They alleged that the delay has plunged many of the affected landowners into hunger and poverty and forced numerous students in the area to drop out of school.

In a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo, the landowners, speaking through their solicitor, Barrister P. M. Shagnah, expressed frustration that despite several appeals to relevant authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to address their plight.

The affected landowners, who are reportedly kinsmen of the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, acknowledged that the governor had partially complied with a High Court judgement by paying 50 per cent of the compensation due. However, they insisted that the outstanding balance must be urgently settled to avert further hardship.

“Our clients and your people have exhausted their patience after a series of pleas to the government, which have failed. Our clients have been on my neck and the leadership of the group at Wukari. Please, sir, save us the trouble of further misunderstandings over this issue,” the statement read.

Barrister Shagnah recalled that during post-judgement negotiations in 2023, it was agreed that the sum of N205 million would be paid to the landowners in seven instalments between December 2023 and July 2024.

“Unfortunately, we are now in the month of July 2025, yet we have an outstanding balance of about N80 million still unpaid to my clients.

“It is worthy of note that our agreement has been grossly breached for over a year now, and perhaps the government has since forgotten our efforts in accepting a lesser amount to ensure timely payment of our compensation,” the statement noted.

The landowners also warned that the continued delay could worsen socioeconomic conditions and fuel discontent in the community.