The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has sounded the alarm over alleged land grabbing, religious discrimination, and human rights violations targeting Hausa Christian communities in Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on August 5, 2025, Daniel Musa, president of HACDI, accused Sani Sambo Mohammed, the village head of Dogon Fako and a traditional leader in the Danlawal Domain, of forcefully trying to seize over 40 hectares of farmland legally acquired by Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, a Hausa Christian farmer, and others.
Key Allegations:
- Four farmlands were allegedly targeted for illegal takeover, with no legal justification.
- The village head is accused of using influence and violating court orders, despite multiple favorable rulings for Mr. Jarmai.
- Violent attacks occurred on July 20, 2025, where armed thugs destroyed crops, assaulted Mr. Jarmai’s relatives, and violated a court injunction issued on July 10, 2025.
- Police inaction and alleged bribery: Victims were reportedly asked to pay before police would arrest the perpetrators.
- Religious discrimination and marginalization: HACDI claims the case reflects broader religious oppression of Christians in parts of northern Nigeria.
Musa expressed concern over Mr. Jarmai’s prior detentions, lack of fair hearing before the Zazzau Emirate Council, and impunity enabled by traditional and political figures. He also warned that local communities live in fear, as threats were issued to anyone considering intervention.
HACDI’s Demands:
- Return of the seized farmlands to rightful owners.
- Immediate cessation of illegal farming activities on the disputed lands.
- Arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the destruction, assault, and court order violations.
- State and federal intervention to uphold the rule of law.
- Protection of minority Christian communities from further oppression.
HACDI emphasized it “will not remain silent” in the face of systemic injustice and called for peace, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights for all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.
