Kaduna Lawmaker Petitions Governor Over Military Demolitions, Tensions Escalate Between Army and Local Communities
A member of the House of Representatives, Hussaini Mohammed Jallo, has raised alarm over escalating tensions between residents of Kaduna communities and the Nigerian military, calling on Governor Uba Sani to urgently intervene and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
In a petition dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the governor and signed by Jallo who represents Igabi Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Pensions the lawmaker decried what he described as a deteriorating security situation and a series of demolitions carried out by the Infantry Corps Centre (ICC) in Jaji.
According to Jallo, communities such as Labar and Wusono have been subjected to ongoing demolitions and harassment by military personnel, despite court rulings restraining the army from interfering with civilian properties.
“I respectfully request your swift and decisive action to arrest the situation and ensure appropriate measures are taken to restore calm, safeguard lives, and protect vital infrastructure in the affected communities,” Jallo stated.
His petition aligns with a formal complaint by the Labar Wusono Community Development Association, which accused Major General Usman Abdulmumin Yusuf of violating court orders and infringing on the fundamental human rights of residents.
The group emphasized that a land dispute between the Jaji Military Cantonment and the two communities has persisted for over 20 years, culminating in a legal battle initiated in 2018.
Despite multiple court orders barring further encroachment, the military reportedly built a fence in 2022 that swallowed nearly 4,000 hectares of farmland of which only 58 hectares legally belong to the cantonment, according to the community.
SaharaReporters had earlier documented a separate but related incident in which troops from the Jaji Military Cantonment allegedly demolished homes, including a mosque, in Unguwan Baeh community under the same military command.
The operation, which occurred at night, reportedly violated a court injunction and left several residents homeless. A woman identified as Maimuna Salisu was injured and rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.
A community leader, speaking anonymously, said, “They came despite the court order and began demolishing structures. This mirrors what they did at Anguwan Mallam Auta. The trauma left behind is unimaginable.”
In response, the Kaduna High Court, presided over by Justice Hannatu A.L. Balogun in Suit No: KDH/KAD/328/2018, reiterated its directive for all parties to maintain the status quo. The court explicitly ordered the military not to demolish or enter properties previously built or renovated by the plaintiffs, even as it barred new constructions on the disputed land.
“The Plaintiffs shall not embark on the construction of new structures but may renovate and maintain existing ones. The Defendants shall not enter into or demolish any structures earlier put up by the Plaintiffs,” the court order read.
Residents are now appealing to the Kaduna State government, the judiciary, and human rights organizations to step in and ensure the military complies with the law and respects the rights of the people.
