The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has raised alarm over an ongoing land dispute in parts of Danlawal Domain in the Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, alleging religious discrimination, human rights abuses, and disregard for court orders.
Naijaonpoint reports that the disputed areas include Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma, all in the Ikara District.
HACDI, in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday by its president, Daniel Musa, accused the village head of Danlawal, Sani Sambo Mohammed, of orchestrating the illegal seizure of farmlands belonging to Hausa Christian farmers, particularly one Ishaya Jarmai.
“It has come to our notice that Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, a peaceful Hausa Christian farmer, and others are facing an unlawful and forceful attempt by the village head… to seize four of his farmlands, totaling over 40 hectares,” Musa said.
He added that the lands were lawfully acquired and that previous legal proceedings, including investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS), confirmed Jarmai’s ownership.
Allegations of Illegal Detention and Emirate Interference
Musa further alleged that in both 2023 and 2025, Jarmai and members of his family were detained unjustly without due process.
He said the village head escalated the matter to the Zazzau Emirate Council, falsely claiming that the lands were part of a forest reserve—an assertion HACDI described as baseless and unsupported by documentation.
Despite petitions, the group claimed Jarmai’s family was denied the right to defend themselves before the Emirate Council.
According to HACDI, a court order from the High Court of Justice, Dogarawa, Zaria, dated July 10, 2025, restrained the village head and his agents from accessing the farmlands pending the determination of the case.
However, on July 20, Musa said the village head mobilised thugs who destroyed germinating maize and rice crops and physically assaulted members of Jarmai’s family who had gone to the farm to document evidence.
“This is a blatant violation of a standing court order,” Musa stressed.
The group also accused the Zaria Area Command of demanding money before taking action.
Despite reporting the attacks, Musa said police promised to invite the suspects five days later, after the bribe was allegedly paid.
“The threats have spread fear across nearby villages, and those who attempt to intervene are threatened with lethal consequences,” the statement added.
HACDI is demanding urgent intervention from state and federal authorities to halt illegal farming activities on the seized lands and end the intimidation of the affected families.
They are also calling for the return of all legally owned farmlands, justice for the victims, and prosecution of those involved in violence, abuse of power, and contempt of court.
“We stand firmly for the rule of law and the dignity of all citizens regardless of faith or status,” the statement concluded.
The group called for the protection of minority communities in the affected areas and condemned what it described as the persistent religious marginalisation and oppression of Christians in northern Nigeria.
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