From Suleiman Abubakar
The residents of Anguwar Sadi in the Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa state are currently assessing their losses after a government official unlawfully seized their land.
"It's no longer news that the people of this community are living in dire conditions following the encroachment on their ancestral land by a high-ranking government officer.
"This came to light when our correspondent visited the community and found that houses were arbitrarily demolished by the official without any justification.*
'Investigations revealed that Anguwan Sidi, within the Hadari political ward, possesses abundant mineral resources that went unnoticed by the authorities.
"The community comprises over 200 inhabitants who lack shelter, food, water, medication, and an accessible road. It's a two-hour motorcycle journey from Anguwan Garba Junction Old Army Barracks.
Describing their ordeal, the community head of Anguwan Sadi, Sule Usman, told our correspondent, "One faithful day, we left our homes to attend a naming ceremony in the neighboring community when we were called back due to the arrival of security personnel in large numbers." He added, "Before our return, they demolished our houses, including our mosque.
"The community head stated that upon arrival, he noticed a government official hiding his face or attempting not to be recognized.
"The community appeals to the government and Governor Abdullahi Sule, urging them to identify the perpetrator of this barbaric act and subject them to the law of the land.*
"Measures must be taken to protect the land rights of indigenous communities and ensure their sustainable livelihoods.
Our correspondent also reports that the community has a population of over 200 and has existed for more than 300 years.
The community head further stated, "Due to the incursion, two elderly persons died, and three children drowned in the river. As of our interview, their bodies have yet to be located for burial according to Islamic rites.
The people of Anguwar Sadiq in the Hadari Political Ward, Kokona Local Government Council, Nasarawa state, urgently need support and protection to safeguard their ancestral land from unlawful confiscation. Their plea for assistance and justice must be heeded, requiring immediate action to prevent an impending humanitarian crisis.
It is documented that Honorable Daniel Oga Ogazi, the lawmaker representing Kokona East in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, reported the situation in the assembly under a matter of public interest. He appealed to his colleagues and the state government to assist his people.
In their resolution, the lawmakers urged the state government to identify the culprit behind the act and bring them to justice. They also requested relief materials to mitigate the community's plight.
