The Hausa Christian Development Initiative (HACDI) has raised serious concerns over alleged religious discrimination, illegal land seizures, and human rights violations targeting Christian farmers in parts of Danlawal Domain, located in Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to a statement issued Tuesday by Daniel Musa, President of HACDI, the affected areas include Dogon Fako, Anguwan Tsirya, Kankaru, and Anguwan Chiroma, all within the Ikara District. The group accused Sani Sambo Mohammed, the Village Head of Danlawal, of orchestrating the forceful takeover of farmlands belonging to Hausa Christians—particularly targeting a farmer named Ishaya Jarmai.
“Mr. Ishaya Jarmai, a peaceful Hausa Christian farmer, is facing an unlawful attempt by the village head to seize four of his farmlands, totaling over 40 hectares,” Musa stated.
HACDI claims the farmlands were lawfully acquired and that investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) had confirmed Jarmai’s legal ownership.
Claims of Illegal Detention and Emirate Council Involvement
The group further alleged that Jarmai and his family members were unlawfully detained in both 2023 and 2025, without due legal process. They said the dispute was escalated to the Zazzau Emirate Council, where the village head falsely claimed the farmlands were located within a forest reserve—a claim HACDI called baseless and unsupported by any legal documentation.
Despite submitting petitions, Jarmai’s family was reportedly denied a fair hearing by the Emirate Council.
Court Order Ignored, Farmlands Vandalized
According to HACDI, the High Court of Justice, Dogarawa, Zaria, issued a restraining order on July 10, 2025, prohibiting the village head and his associates from accessing or tampering with the disputed lands. However, on July 20, thugs allegedly hired by the village head stormed the farmlands, destroying germinating maize and rice crops and physically assaulting Jarmai’s relatives who were present to gather evidence.
“This is a blatant violation of a standing court order,” Musa said.
Police Allegedly Demand Bribe, Delay Action
HACDI also accused the Zaria Area Command of demanding money before taking any action on the reported attacks. Musa claims that after filing a formal report, police delayed action for five days, allegedly waiting until a bribe was paid.
“The threats have instilled fear across neighboring villages, and community members who attempt to intervene face deadly consequences,” the statement added.
Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
HACDI is calling on both state and federal authorities to:
Immediately halt the illegal encroachment on farmlands.
Ensure the protection of the affected Christian communities.
Prosecute all individuals involved in violence, abuse of power, and contempt of court.
Return all lawfully acquired lands to their rightful owners.
“We stand firmly for the rule of law and the dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith or social status,” the statement concluded.
The group also condemned what it described as ongoing religious marginalisation and systemic oppression of Christian minorities in northern Nigeria, urging urgent steps to ensure justice and equality.
