Giade Land Row: Committee Slashes Allocation to 2,000 Hectares, Warns Against Illegal Distribution

By Kamaluddeen Nuhu Ilelah:

The Committee on Farmland Distribution in De-Reserved Forests has clarified that only 2,000 hectares of land have been officially approved for allocation in Giade, dismissing claims by the local government that 4,000 hectares were earmarked for distribution.

Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Sale Umar Misau, made the disclosure during an inspection tour of Giade Local Government Area.

The visit was aimed at reviewing land allocations approved by Bala Mohammed to expand farming and grazing opportunities across the state.

Misau emphasized that the committee’s mandate is to ensure strict compliance with the approved 2,000-hectare limit.

He warned that any allocation exceeding that figure or conducted without the involvement of professional officials would be declared null and void.

He stated that It is professional work that requires professional people, stressing that personnel from the Ministry of Lands and Survey must be involved in every stage of the allocation process.

He further explained that land-use planning must accommodate not only crop farmers but also herders, grazing reserves, cattle routes, water points, and forest-dependent communities to prevent future conflicts.

Representing the Giade Local Government Chairman, Hon. Usman Muhammad Saleh, the Head of Administration, Isma’il Yusuf Muhammad, pledged the council’s full cooperation.

He appealed for fairness in the process and assured the committee that all relevant documents, including beneficiary lists, would be provided.

The Emir of Giade, represented by Galadiman Giade Bappa Sule, also expressed strong support for the state government’s initiative.

He urged local authorities to consistently engage traditional institutions in matters affecting the welfare and governance of the people.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and the Farmers Association; Wakili Ahmadu and Adamu Sa’idu Imam Kurba expressed cautious optimism.

While acknowledging fears of possible unrest, they welcomed the committee’s insistence on due process.

Councilor Abdullahi Shu’aibu of Kurba Ward commended the leadership for its approach but advised that prompt action must always be taken whenever concerns are raised.

The committee reiterated its authority to revoke any land allocation that violates established guidelines, underscoring its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and peaceful coexistence among stakeholders in Giade.