- Farmers in Haskiya Village, Damau District, and Kaduna State have petitioned the state government over an alleged land seizure and extortion by an individual
- The farmers claim that Shehu Damau, posing as a KADGIS employee, accompanied by armed police, threatened villagers and declared the land belonged to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Farmers in Haskiya Village, Damau District, Kaduna State, have petitioned the state government, police, and Department of State Security (DSS) over alleged land seizure and extortion by an individual in their community.
For over 50 years, these farmers have cultivated their lands without interference. Recently, however, this peaceful existence has been disrupted.
The petition, dated June 28, 2024, and addressed to Governor Senator Uba Sani, the police commissioner, and the Director of DSS, was written by Mamman Nasir and Co., Head of Chambers, Solomon Utuagha, on behalf of the farmers.
In their letter, the farmers accuse Shehu Damau, claiming he posed as an employee of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). Accompanied by armed police officers, he allegedly stormed their village, threatening those found on the farmland.
“He produced a Certificate of Occupancy in the name of the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives, declaring the land belonged to the speaker. He warned villagers that anyone on the land without registering with him would face consequences,” the letter stated.
The farmers asserted that they had paid their dues to the Ministry of Environment before Shehu Damau’s invasion and trespass.
The disputed lands are in Bugau North Forest Reserve and Gauraki Forest Reserve, within the Damau District. The community doubts Speaker Tajudeen Abbas knows about the situation.
They urge the state government and relevant authorities to investigate, intervene, restore peace, and return their land.
When contacted, Dr. Zakaria Shehu Damau denied all allegations of extortion, trespass, and destruction of farmlands.