Tensions Rise in Jigawa as Herders Protest Alleged Land Seizure for Rice Farming

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Tensions are running high in Marke forest, Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa State, as Fulani herders staged protests over the alleged seizure of their ancestral lands by a rice milling company.

A viral video circulating online shows herders expressing anger and confronting officials working on the disputed land. The herders claim the land has belonged to their forefathers for centuries and cannot be taken from them without due process.

In response to the protests, the Jigawa State government has suspended all activities on the land and launched an investigation into the matter.

Speaking to reporters, chairman of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association, Umar Kabiru, described the situation as “disturbing” and urged the government to address the matter promptly to prevent escalation.

“This incident could spark greater conflict between communities if left unchecked,” Kabiru warned.
“We trust the government will find a solution that respects the rights of all parties involved.”

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Farmers and Herders Board, Salisu Abdullahi, confirmed that the rice milling company claimed to have received the land allocation during the previous administration.
However, following the protests, the government halted development and summoned all parties for talks.

One protester in the viral video lamented, “How can you just ask us to leave our homes overnight? This is madness, and we won’t allow it to happen!”

Another female protester said, “Our forefathers were born and raised here. Now, we’re being told to leave without explanation.”

The protests highlighted broader tensions over land use in Nigeria, where disputes between herders and farmers often lead to violence. Observers are calling for transparent land allocation processes and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent such incidents from escalating into unrest.

The government has assured residents that it is committed to addressing the issue fairly while protecting investments and livelihoods in the area.