…Emirate Council, Police Allegedly Involved; Victims Detained, Remanded Unjustly
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has raised serious concerns over what it described as escalating religious discrimination and human rights violations linked to a land dispute involving Hausa Christian farmers in four communities within Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The affected communities—Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma—are located in the Danlawal Domain of Ikara District.
In a statement issued by its President, Dr. Daniel Musa, HACDI alleged that Hausa Christians in the area are facing targeted oppression, citing the case of Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, a peaceful farmer whose lands are being unlawfully seized.
“We find it necessary to bring this matter to public attention due to the serious human rights violations and religious discrimination involved,” Dr. Musa said.
According to HACDI, Mr. Jarmai and others legally acquired over 40 hectares of farmland through purchase. However, the village head, Sani Sambo Mohammed, is allegedly attempting to forcefully confiscate the lands, despite legal investigations affirming the farmers’ ownership rights.
“The matter was investigated by the DSS, and legal proceedings confirmed that Mr. Jarmai is the rightful owner. Yet, the village head continues to manipulate the system with backing from influential individuals,” Musa stated.
He further claimed that the traditional ruler escalated the dispute to the Emirate Council of Zazzau, falsely asserting that the land in question was part of a forest reserve (Haràba)—a claim unsupported by any legal documentation.
HACDI alleged that in 2023 and again in 2025, Mr. Jarmai and several family members were unlawfully detained by the police and remanded in custody without due process.
“Despite multiple petitions, the family was denied a hearing before the Emir. The village head allegedly boasted that as long as certain influential figures in the Emirate—such as the Wazirin Zazzau and the Sarkin Ayyuka—are alive, Mr. Jarmai will never reclaim his land,” Musa said.
HACDI’s independent investigation also debunked claims that the land is a forest reserve. Instead, the group alleged that the village head has resorted to violence and intimidation. Armed thugs were said to have destroyed farm produce worth millions of naira and injured members of the Jarmai family.
“On July 10, 2025, a High Court in Dogarawa, Zaria, issued a restraining order against the village head and his agents. Yet, on July 20, the thugs returned, uprooting germinating maize and rice, and assaulted family members who attempted to document the damage,” the statement said.
“On July 21, they attacked again, this time destroying a pepper farm and carting away the produce, before proceeding to vandalize another soybean farm,” HACDI added.
The group stated that the attacks have created widespread fear and tension in surrounding communities, with open threats issued to anyone attempting to intervene.
After the incidents, the victims reported the matter to the Zaria Area Command. While statements were taken, the police allegedly demanded money before any arrests were made.
“Even after payment, police delayed action, stating that they had operations in Niger State. When the suspects failed to show up at the scheduled appointment, the victims were simply told to ‘exercise patience’,” the statement claimed.
HACDI has called on relevant state and federal authorities to intervene, stop the ongoing encroachment on the farmlands, and guarantee the safety of the victims.
“We demand justice for Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and others affected. Their legally-owned lands must be returned, and all perpetrators involved in violence, abuse of power, and contempt of court must be investigated and prosecuted,” the group demanded.
HACDI also urged greater protection for minority communities in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, Anguwan Chiroma, and other vulnerable areas across Kaduna State.
“We call for an end to religiously-motivated marginalization and oppression of Christians in Northern Nigeria. HACDI will not remain silent while our people suffer injustice under the guise of tradition, politics, or religion,” the statement concluded.
“We stand firmly for the rule of law and the dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or social status.”
