Bomba Dauda
…Calls for urgent intervention to halt alleged rights violations, disregard for court orders
The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has condemned what it described as a sustained campaign of land seizure, religious discrimination, and violent intimidation targeting Hausa Christian farmers in the Danlawal domain of Ikara Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
In a press statement issued Monday and signed by its President, Dr. Daniel Musa, the organization detailed ongoing harassment and land disputes in the communities of Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma. Central to the case is the alleged forceful attempt by the village head, Sani Sambo Mohammed, to seize over 40 hectares of farmland belonging to Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, a Hausa Christian farmer, and others—despite court orders and security investigations affirming their legal ownership.
“Despite clear outcomes from legal channels and investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS), the traditional ruler continues to defy the rule of law,” HACDI stated.
According to the group, Mr. Mohammed has attempted to label the lands as part of a forest reserve—Haràba—without any supporting documentation. It also alleged that Mr. Jarmai and family members were previously detained arbitrarily, with no opportunity to defend themselves before the Emirate Council, despite repeated petitions.
“In a shocking escalation, the village head has mobilized armed thugs to destroy farms and inflict physical harm on Mr. Jarmai’s family members,” the statement said. “These acts, which violate a July 10 court injunction from the High Court of Justice in Dogarawa, Zaria, show blatant disregard for the judiciary.”
HACDI cited multiple instances of destruction, including:
- July 20: Armed thugs allegedly destroyed maize and rice farms and beat up family members attempting to document the vandalism.
- July 21: The same group reportedly returned to uproot and cart away pepper and soya bean crops.
The violence, HACDI said, has left surrounding communities in fear, with warnings issued that any interference would be met with lethal force.
The organization also decried what it described as a “deeply compromised” response from the police. After reporting the incidents to the Zaria Area Command, victims were allegedly asked to provide money before arrests could be made. Even after payment, HACDI said police repeatedly postponed action under various pretexts, and ultimately, on August 2, the victims were served a motion restraining the police from arresting the suspects, pending a court hearing.
“We find this deeply troubling. Instead of protecting victims, the justice system appears to be weaponized against them,” HACDI lamented.
HACDI Demands:
- Immediate government intervention to halt all illegal farming and violent activities on the disputed lands.
- Justice for Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and others affected, including restoration of their farmlands.
- Prosecution of all those involved in the destruction, intimidation, and abuse of authority.
- Protection of minority Hausa Christian communities in Ikara and other parts of Kaduna State.
- An end to religiously-motivated persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria.
“We will not remain silent while our people are oppressed under the guise of tradition, politics, or religion,” the group concluded. “We demand equality, rule of law, and justice for all citizens—regardless of faith or status.”
