Kaduna, Nigeria – August 5, 2025
A storm of controversy has erupted in the Danlawal Domain of Ikara Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, following alarming reports of land grabbing, religious discrimination, and systemic abuse of power affecting members of the Hausa Christian community in villages including Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma.
The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI), a human rights group advocating for the rights of Christian minorities in northern Nigeria, raised the alarm in a press statement issued on August 4, detailing what it described as “ongoing land dispute and religious discrimination” in the affected areas.
At the heart of the conflict is Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, a Hausa Christian farmer who legally owns over 40 hectares of farmland. According to HACDI, Mr. Jarmai and others are being subjected to relentless harassment by the village head, Sani Sambo Mohammed, who allegedly seeks to seize their lands despite legal rulings affirming their rightful ownership.
Court Orders Ignored, Violence Escalates
In 2023 and again in 2025, Mr. Jarmai and his family members were detained by authorities without due process. Despite investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) and legal proceedings that confirmed Mr. Jarmai’s land rights, the village head allegedly continued efforts to confiscate the farmland. He is said to have forwarded the case to the Emirate Council of Zazzau under the claim that the land is part of a forest reserve — a claim not supported by documentation, according to independent findings by HACDI.
On July 10, 2025, the High Court of Justice in Dogarawa, Zaria, issued a restraining order against Sani Sambo Mohammed and his agents, forbidding them from accessing the disputed lands. However, on July 20 and 21, HACDI reports that armed thugs mobilized by the village head attacked the farmlands, destroying maize, rice, pepper, and soybean crops and assaulting members of Mr. Jarmai’s family who were present to document the destruction.
“These attacks have instilled fear in surrounding villages,” HACDI said. “There are now threats that anyone who attempts to intervene will face violence.”
Police Inaction and Bribery Allegations
Following the violent incidents, the matter was reported to the Zaria Area Command. Shockingly, victims allege that police officers demanded money before agreeing to make arrests. After payment, the police postponed action, claiming operational commitments in Niger State. Further delays ensued, and when the suspects failed to appear as scheduled, police advised the victims to “exercise more patience.”
Thirteen days after the attacks, on August 2, 2025, a motion was filed in court restraining police and victims from arresting any of the suspects, effectively halting further action.
Demands for Justice and Federal Intervention
Dr. Daniel Musa, President of HACDI, condemned what he described as a “flagrant disregard for court orders” and “systematic persecution” of Christians in Northern Nigeria.
“Our people are being oppressed under the guise of tradition, politics, and religion,” said Dr. Musa. “This is not just a land dispute — it is a human rights crisis that demands urgent intervention.”
HACDI’s demands include:
- Immediate intervention by state and federal authorities
- Return of the seized lands to Mr. Jarmai and others
- Arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of violence and abuse of power
- Protection of Christian minorities in Ikara and other vulnerable areas
- An end to religiously-motivated oppression in the region
A Broader Pattern of Persecution?
The incident adds to a growing body of reports indicating that Christian minorities in parts of Northern Nigeria face structural discrimination, including denial of justice, land ownership challenges, and restrictions on religious expression.
Civil society groups and human rights organizations are calling on the Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, and international partners to investigate the Ikara land dispute and ensure justice for the victims.
As tension continues to simmer, HACDI has vowed not to relent in its advocacy, stating that it “will not remain silent while injustice thrives.”
CONTACT:
Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI)
Email: hausachristiandev.initiative@gmail.com
Phone: +2348086678569
For further information or press inquiries, contact the newsroom.
