Alleged Land Grabbing: Group Cries Out Over Human Rights Violations, Religious Discrimination

Onuminya Innocent 

The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has raised the alarm over an alleged escalating land dispute in Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which has degenerated into human rights violations and religious discrimination.

At the centre of the controversy is a protracted land dispute between Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, a Hausa Christian farmer, and the village head, Sani Sambo Mohammed, who is allegedly using his position to seize Mr. Jarmai’s farm lands.

According to a statement by the President of HACDI, Dr. Daniel Musa, the village head has been making unlawful and forceful attempts to seize four of Jarmai’s farm lands, totalling over 40 hectares.

Despite investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) and court rulings affirming Jarmai’s land rights, the village head allegedly continues to harass and intimidate the farmers.

The situation has taken a turn for the worse, with reports of armed thugs attacking the farmlands, destroying crops, and assaulting Jarmai’s family members.

The police had been accused of inaction and bribery, further exacerbating the situation.

HACDI is demanding immediate intervention from state and federal authorities to address the crisis.

“We are calling on the Kaduna State Government and the federal government to intervene immediately and put an end to this injustice.

“We demand the return of the seized lands, the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, and protection for Christian minorities in the area,” Musa said

The organisation also expressed concern over the escalating situation surrounding land disputes in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, Anguwan Chiroma, all in Danlawal Domain, Ikara District, Ikara Local Government Area.

The HACDI president accused the village head of using his position to intimidate and harass Christian farmers, saying that the organisation will not stand idly by while its members are persecuted.

“We will continue to speak out against injustice and advocate for the rights of our members,” Musa stated.

He called theKaduna State Government to take immediate action to address the crisis and ensure that justice is served.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and Christian organisations, who have called for an end to the persecution of Christians in the state.