Hausa Christians cry out over land dispute, religious discrimination in communities

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The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has expressed deep concern over an ongoing land conflict affecting communities in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma, located in Danlawal Domain of Ikara District, Ikara LGA, Kaduna State.

In a formal statement, HACDI President Daniel Musa said the organization was compelled to speak out due to what he described as severe human rights abuses and religiously driven discrimination surrounding the issue.

He said, “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, Sani Sambo Mohammed, a traditional ruler in the area, to seize four (4) of his farmlands, totaling over 40 hectares, which Mr. Ishaya Jarmai as well as other villagers legally acquired through purchase. This is in addition to the ones already seized prior to this time.”

He alleged that despite ongoing investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) and legal proceedings that have confirmed Mr. Jarmai’s rightful ownership, the village head has continued to exploit his position, backed by influential allies in the system.

Musa further stated that Mr. Jarmai and some of his relatives were unlawfully held in detention in both 2023 and 2025—first at a police facility and later at the Zaria Area Command—without following proper legal procedures. He added that the village head escalated the situation by taking the matter to the Zazzau Emirate Council, falsely declaring the farmland as part of a forest reserve, known locally as Haràba, even though no formal documentation exists to support the claim.

He also revealed that despite repeated appeals and written petitions, the family was denied the opportunity to present their side before the Emirate Council. Musa accused the village head of boasting that with the support of powerful individuals like the Wazirin Zazzau and the Sarkin Ayyuka, Mr. Jarmai would never recover his land.

According to Musa, the conflict has now turned violent. He claimed that the village head sent armed attackers who destroyed millions of naira worth of crops and assaulted members of Mr. Jarmai’s family.

This, he said, occurred in direct violation of a restraining order issued on July 10, 2025, by the High Court of Justice in Dogarawa, Zaria. The order barred the village head and his associates from accessing the disputed land until the case is resolved. Despite this, on July 20, 2025, the village head allegedly mobilized thugs who uprooted maize and rice crops that had already begun sprouting and physically attacked family members attempting to document the destruction.

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HACDI’s statement warned that these attacks have created widespread fear in surrounding communities, with threats issued against anyone who dares to intervene.

It also revealed that when the matter was reported to the Zaria Area Command, officers allegedly requested bribes before taking any action. After payment was made, the victims were told that the perpetrators would only be summoned five days later.

The group called on both state and federal government authorities to act urgently to halt illegal farming activities on the seized land, ensure the safety of the affected families, and hold all responsible parties accountable.

The organization demanded full justice for Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and others affected, emphasizing that the land must be returned to its legal owners. They also called for the prosecution of all individuals involved in the violence, systemic abuse, and defiance of court directives.

HACDI urged greater protection for minority groups living in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, Chiroma, and other at-risk parts of Kaduna State. They appealed for an end to religiously fueled oppression and marginalization of Christians across Northern Nigeria.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to justice, equality, and peace, concluding that it would not stay silent while its members suffer under the pretense of cultural authority, politics, or religion.

“We stand firmly for the rule of law and the dignity of all citizens regardless of faith or status,” the statement said.

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