Hausa Christians Allege Land Grabbing, Religious Persecution in Kaduna Communities
The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has raised alarm over ongoing land disputes and religious discrimination in several communities within the Danlawal Domain of Ikara Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
In a statement issued by HACDI President, Daniel Musa, the group accused the village head of Dogon Fako, Sani Sambo Mohammed, of attempting to unlawfully seize farmlands legally acquired by Hausa Christian farmer, Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, and other community members.
The disputed properties span over 40 hectares across Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma.
According to Musa, despite multiple investigations including one by the Department of State Services (DSS) and legal affirmations confirming Mr. Jarmai’s ownership, the village head has allegedly used his influence and backing from powerful individuals to suppress justice.
He further disclosed that Mr. Jarmai and his relatives were subjected to unlawful arrests in 2023 and 2025, with no proper legal proceedings. Musa added that attempts by the family to defend their rights before the Zazzau Emirate Council were thwarted, as they were denied access while the village head falsely claimed the lands in question were part of a forest reserve.
The situation reportedly worsened on July 20, 2025, when armed thugs allegedly sent by the village head destroyed maize and rice crops, defied a restraining court order issued on July 10, and physically assaulted members of the Jarmai family as they attempted to document the destruction.
The HACDI claims local police demanded money before taking action against the assailants, with a promise to invite the suspects days after the incident.
Calling the attacks a blatant violation of human rights and the rule of law, HACDI urged urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities to halt the alleged persecution and return the seized lands to their rightful owners. The organization also demanded the prosecution of all those involved in the intimidation, abuse of power, and defiance of court orders.
Musa emphasized that religious minorities in Dogon Fako and surrounding areas must be protected, warning that silence in the face of religiously motivated oppression would only deepen divisions and injustice in the region.
“We will not be silent while our people suffer under the guise of tradition, politics, or religion. We stand firmly for justice, equality, and the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
