The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has raised alarm over what it described as systematic land dispossession and religious discrimination against Hausa Christians in parts of Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It was gathered that the dispute involves farmlands measuring over 40 hectares in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma—all within the Danlawal Domain of Ikara District—allegedly acquired through legal means but now under threat of forceful takeover.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 4, 2025, and signed by its President, Dr. Daniel Musa, HACDI said a traditional ruler in the area, Sani Sambo Mohammed, has persistently ignored security findings and legal rulings confirming ownership of the farmlands by one Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and others.
The statement read, “The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) expresses deep concern over the escalating situation surrounding land disputes in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma, all within Danlawal Domain, Ikara District. We find it necessary to bring this matter to public attention due to the serious human rights violations and religious discrimination involved.
“It has come to our notice that Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and others are facing unlawful attempts by the village head, Sani Sambo Mohammed, to seize four farmlands legally acquired through purchase.
“Despite investigations by the DSS and legal proceedings affirming Mr. Jarmai’s ownership, the traditional ruler has continued to manipulate the system, aided by individuals in higher authority.”
HACDI alleged that the village head reported the matter to the Zazzau Emirate Council under the false claim that the land in question is part of a forest reserve, without presenting any documentary proof.
The group said efforts by the victims to present their case before the Emir were frustrated, while Mr. Jarmai and some family members were unjustly detained in 2023 and again in 2025 without due process.
The statement further read, “On July 10, 2025, a High Court in Dogarawa, Zaria, issued an order restraining Sani Sambo and his agents from accessing the land pending final hearing.
” However, on July 20 and 21, armed thugs allegedly mobilized by the village head invaded the farms, destroyed maize, rice, pepper, and soya bean crops, and assaulted Mr. Jarmai’s family members who were documenting the attack.
“After the incident was reported to the police at Zaria Area Command, officers demanded money before taking action. Even after this was provided, they delayed arrests and later said they were unavailable due to an operation in Niger State.
” On August 2, a motion and restraining order were served—shockingly not against the attackers, but against the victims and police, barring further arrests.”
The group noted that the attacks have caused fear among surrounding villages, with threats issued against anyone who dares to speak up or intervene.
HACDI called on the Kaduna State Government, federal authorities, and human rights institutions to immediately intervene.
“We demand justice for Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and other affected persons, prosecution of those involved, protection for minority communities, and an end to religiously-motivated oppression in Northern Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
