From Suleiman Abubakar
Our correspondent, who traveled for more than two hours on a rough road to reach Anguwar Sadiq from Anguwar Garba Junction Old Army Barracks, reported that the situation in the community was dire.
The community head, Sule Usman, tearfully explained their ordeal, stating that some individuals from neighboring Keffi local government had encroached on their land. "One day, individuals from Keffi named Mallam Na Hannatu and Ralwanu came to us and requested a portion of our land for no valid reason, to which I rejected their demand," he recounted.
Furthermore, he mentioned that he had informed them that their request was baseless, as the land had been passed down through generations and was an essential source of livelihood for the people of Anguwar Sadiq.
"They equally reported me to the Emir of Keffi regarding the same issue. However, after duly investigating, the rightful owner of the land directed them to distance themselves from it henceforth.
Following the judgment passed by the Emir of Keffi, Mallam na Hannatu and his son Ralwanu persistently continued to persuade us to give out a portion, but we refused. Additionally, they vowed to use their influence and connections with one of the governor's aides to seize the land from us.
The land in question is vital for the sustenance of the community, as it provides the means for agriculture and sustains their families. Usman emphasized that any attempt to take the land away would result in dire consequences for the community, pushing them into the depths of starvation.
The distraught community leader also expressed concern about the indifference they have faced from the local and state government in addressing their plight. Despite repeated appeals, the authorities have not shown any meaningful efforts to protect the land rights of the community.
The people of Anguwar Sadiq Hadari are urging the government to intervene and safeguard their ancestral land, which has been the cornerstone of their existence for centuries. They seek justice and protection from those who intend to unlawfully seize their land, thus jeopardizing their livelihoods and causing immense suffering within the community.
The emerging crisis in Anguwar Sadiq Hadari Political Ward highlights the broader issue of land grabs and encroachments faced by many communities across the country. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive land protection laws and effective enforcement mechanisms to prevent exploitation and protect the rights of vulnerable communities.
This disturbing development also calls for prompt action from the authorities at various levels to address the plight of the people of Anguwar Sadiq and prevent the escalation of this dire situation.
It is imperative that the government takes proactive measures to uphold the land rights of indigenous communities and ensure their sustainable livelihoods.
Our correspondent also reports that the community has a population of over 200. The settlement is more than 300 years old.
"The community head further stated that as a result of the invention, two elderly persons died, and three kids drowned in the river. As of this moment, during our interview, their bodies have yet to be located for burial in accordance with Islamic rites."
The people of Anguwar Sadiq Hadari Political Ward in Kokona Local Government Council, Nasarawa state, are in urgent need of support and protection to safeguard their ancestral land from unlawful confiscation. Their plea for assistance and justice must be heeded, and immediate action is required to avert the impending humanitarian crisis in the community.
"It is on record that Honorable Daniel Oga Ogazi, the lawmaker representing Kokona East at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, reported a situation in the chamber of the assembly under a matter of public interest. He pleaded with his colleagues and the state government to come to the aid of his people.
