Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has cautioned traditional leaders against illegal land encroachment and grabbing across the state.
Speaking during his Eid el-Fitr Sallah homage, “Gaisuwar Sallah,” at the Emir of Zazzau’s palace in Zaria on Tuesday, he urged them to foster peaceful coexistence.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Traditional Affairs, Alhaji Muktar Shehu, the governor revealed that complaints had been received about land grabs by village and ward heads.
He stressed that all land belongs to the government and must be acquired through the appropriate authorities to maintain peace.
The governor encouraged traditional leaders to uphold harmony in their communities to ensure continuous development.
Sani also urged farmers to return to their farms, assuring them that security conditions in various parts of the state had improved.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, reiterated his directive for district, village, and ward heads to stop unfair treatment of their subjects.
He also warned them against collaborating with illegal miners operating within their domains.
The emir emphasized that before any mining activities proceed, proper verification by relevant authorities is required, and the emirate must be duly informed.
He cautioned village heads against encroaching on land allocated to the Ministry of Forestry, stating that they should only manage properties belonging to the emirate.
“All lands belong to the government,” he declared, adding that those found illegally occupying such land would face legal consequences.
Additionally, he reminded traditional titleholders with dual appointments to resign from one position as directed by the state government, warning that failure to comply would lead to dismissal.
The emir called for unity, brotherhood, and stronger collaboration among traditional leaders to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
