Kaduna Lawmaker Petitions Governor Uba Sani Over Military Demolitions Amid Rising Tensions Between Army and Local Communities

A member of the House of Representatives, Hussaini Mohammed Jallo, has formally petitioned the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, over what he described as a worsening security crisis and a contentious demolition operation affecting communities near the Jaji Military Cantonment.

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and personally signed by Jallo—who represents Igabi Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Pensions—the lawmaker raised alarm over the escalating tensions between the Labar and Wusono communities and the Infantry Corps Centre (ICC) in Jaji.

Jallo described the situation as critical and in urgent need of government intervention. He urged Governor Sani to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of peace in the affected areas.

“I am forwarding a formal complaint from the above affected communities to avoid further breakdown of law and order between Labar, Wusono communities, and the Jaji Military Cantonment of the Infantry Corps Centre (ICC) in Jaji,” the lawmaker stated.

“In view of this, I respectfully request your swift and decisive action to arrest the situation and ensure appropriate measures are taken to restore calm, safeguard lives, and protect vital infrastructure in the affected communities,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Labar Wusono Community Development Association has also appealed to Governor Uba Sani, raising concerns over alleged violations of their fundamental rights and property.

In a letter dated July 11, 2025, the association accused Major General Usman Abdulmumin Yusuf of the ICC of breaching their rights in an ongoing land dispute that has persisted for over two decades. The conflict, which escalated to legal action in 2018, has been marked by multiple court orders directing the military to halt harassment and development activities on the contested land.

Despite these orders, the community claims the military has continued to defy the court’s directives. They allege that in 2022, the cantonment constructed a fence enclosing nearly 4,000 hectares of farmland belonging to the community, even though only 58 hectares lawfully belong to the military.

“Recall the longstanding land dispute between our communities—Labar and Wusono—and the Jaji Military Cantonment, dating back 20 years and eventually brought before the court in 2018. Several court orders have been issued to stop harassment and land development by the cantonment, but these orders have been consistently ignored,” the letter stated.

They emphasized that the encroachment has had serious consequences for their livelihood and called for immediate government action.

Earlier, Journalists had reported that troops under the command of Major General Usman Abdulmumin Yusuf invaded the Unguwan Baeh community in Igabi Local Government Area, demolishing several residential structures, including a mosque, despite a court injunction prohibiting such actions.

Residents said the soldiers arrived around 7 p.m. on Monday and began a wide-scale demolition exercise, destroying homes, worship centres, and other properties. A community leader, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisal, said the military’s actions mirrored a similar incursion into Anguwan Mallam Auta.

“Despite a standing court order, they came in large numbers and demolished our homes. One of our residents, Maimuna Salisu, was injured and taken to the Primary Health Centre in Jaji,” the leader reported.

The operation reportedly ended around 10 p.m., leaving numerous residents displaced and traumatised.

The affected residents have accused Major General Yusuf of orchestrating the demolition and called on the Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian judiciary, and human rights groups to ensure justice is done.

In a related legal development, the High Court of Justice in Kaduna, presiding over Suit No: KDH/KAD/328/2018 involving Alhaji Aminu Saminu and 266 others versus the Nigerian Army, issued a ruling.

Justice Hannatu A.L. Balogun ordered that while the plaintiffs are barred from constructing new structures, they may renovate and maintain existing ones. The military, in turn, was ordered not to enter or demolish any structures previously built or renovated by the plaintiffs. The court urged both sides to exercise restraint.

“Having heard counsel on the recent allegations, I reiterate my order that the parties shall maintain the status quo. The plaintiffs may renovate and maintain existing structures, but not build new ones. The defendants shall not demolish any structures erected or renovated by the plaintiffs. Both parties must exercise restraint,” the court ruled.