Persecution: Group Raises Alarm over Rights Violation, Religious Discrimination against Christians in Kaduna State
Our correspondent
An advocacy group under the aegis of Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has demanded immediate intervention by the Kaduna State and the Federal Governments to halt the illegal farming activities on seized farmland belonging to its members and also stop threats to their lives and properties.
In a statement issued to journalists on Monday, August 4, 2025, and signed by its President, Dr. Daniel Musa, HACDI raised concerns over what it termed “systematic land dispassion and religious discrimination against Hausa Christians” in parts of Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria.
Today’s Challenge gathered that the dispute involves a farmland measuring over 40 hectares in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma—all within the Danlawal Domain of Ikara District—allegedly acquired through legal means but now under threat of forceful takeover.
HACDI, in its statement, accused the traditional ruler of the area, Sani Sambo Mohammed, of “persistently ignoring security findings and court rulings”, affirming the legitimate ownership of the farmlands to one Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and others.
The statement read in part said, “The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) expresses deep concern over the escalating situation surrounding land disputes in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma, all within Danlawal Domain, Ikara District. We find it necessary to bring this matter to public attention due to the serious human rights violations and religious discrimination involved.
“It has come to our notice that Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and others are facing unlawful attempts by the village head, Sani Sambo Mohammed, to seize four farmlands legally acquired through purchase.
“Despite investigations by the DSS and legal proceedings affirming Mr. Jarmai’s ownership, the traditional ruler has continued to manipulate the system, aided by individuals in higher authority.”
The group further alleged that the village head had reported the matter to the Zazzau Emirate Council under the false claim that the land in question is part of a forest reserve, without presenting any documentary proof.
It added that all efforts by the victims to present their case before the Emir were frustrated, while Mr. Jarmai and some family members were unfairly detained in 2023 and again in 2025 without recourse to due process.
The statement added that only recently, a High Court in Dogarawa, Zaria issued an order restraining Sani Sambo and his agents from accessing the land pending final hearing. Still, on July 20 and 21, armed thugs allegedly mobilised by the village head invaded the farms, destroyed maize, rice, pepper, and soya bean crops, and assaulted Mr. Jarmai’s family members who were documenting the attack.
“After the incident was reported to the police at Zaria Area Command, officers demanded money before taking action. Even after this was provided, they delayed arrests and later said they were unavailable due to an operation in Niger State.
“On August 2, a motion and restraining order were served—shockingly not against the attackers, but against the victims and police, barring further arrests.”
While demanding justice for Mr. Ishaya Jarmai and all those affected, HACDI called for the return of their legally owned land.
It also called for an investigation and prosecution of all those involved in the violence, abuse of power and flagrant violation of court orders.
It also advocated for the protection of minority communities in Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, Chiroma and other vulnerable areas of Kaduna State.
HACDI also called for an end to religiously-motivated marginalisation and oppression of Christians in Northern Nigeria.
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