Tension heightened on Monday in Dangoro community of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State, after officials from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning moved onto disputed farmlands to commence work despite an unresolved petition before Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The landowners, who said they had written a letter to the governor appealing for immediate intervention, rushed to the site and pleaded with the officials to halt the operation until the government responds.
Their appeal, however, was turned down as the officials insisted they were acting strictly on orders.
What followed was a prolonged exchange that prompted the officials to request that the discussion be moved to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Kumbotso to avoid misunderstanding and ensure security.
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At the DSS office, the landowners narrated how they attempted to draw the governor’s attention last Friday when they saw him coming out from Government House.
They carried placards as he passed, but he did not stop because he was in a hurry. Instead, they were attended to by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani, who said he was not aware of the ongoing exercise.
According to them, an aide to the Chief of Staff advised that they should call on Wednesday for the governor’s response, assuring them that their letter would be delivered directly for his attention.
Dangoro community has for years faced disputes over land ownership, with residents accusing government agencies of trying to take over farmlands without proper consultation.
The latest tensions arose after the state announced plans to relocate the Yan Lemo Fruit Market and Yankaba Vegetables Market to the area, raising fears among landowners that their lands could be seized.
Residents say they have made repeated appeals to the government to protect their properties and prevent displacement, but past efforts have yielded limited results.
Speaking after the meeting, one of the landowners, Abubakar Mustapha, said the arrival of the ministry officials caused panic among residents, prompting them to quickly intervene and appeal for a temporary suspension until the governor speaks on the matter.
He added that many of the affected plots belong to orphans and vulnerable families.
He said they do not seek confrontation with the government and remain confident that Governor Yusuf, known for fairness, will not allow injustice.
Another landowner, Murtala Rayyanu, warned that this would be the fifth time such an incident is happening in the community, stressing that repeated takeover of their lands threatens to wipe out the history and existence of the people of Dangoro.
He explained that several families acquired their lands through debts and years of savings, and losing them again would be devastating.
Also speaking, Usman Idris said residents believe Governor Yusuf may not be fully aware of the ongoing activity and called for his urgent intervention to calm rising tension in the area.
Meanwhile, one of the officials from the Ministry and Deputy Surveyor General, Ibrahim Mu’azu, declined comments, stating that they were not authorised to speak on the development.
Residents now await the governor’s response amid deepening fear over the future of their lands and homes.
