Residents of Gulumbe village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have issued a heartfelt appeal to Governor Nasir Idris, urging him to urgently intervene in what they describe as the unlawful seizure of their farmland.
Speaking to journalists in Gulumbe on Tuesday, community spokesperson Abubakar Tafidan-Gulumbe recounted how a man named Mustapha Sani-Zauro suddenly arrived with heavy machinery and began clearing their cultivated land without prior consultation or consent from traditional authorities.
“For generations, we’ve farmed this land, which many of us inherited from our ancestors,” Tafidan-Gulumbe said. “Then, without warning, Sani-Zauro started bulldozing our crops, claiming to represent members of the Governor’s family.”
He firmly dismissed the claim. “We reject this allegation. We believe Governor Idris, a man widely respected for his integrity, would never condone such actions or allow his family to be involved.”
Tafidan-Gulumbe praised the Governor’s personal record, adding, “Even before he assumed office, Governor Idris had a reputation for honesty. He once legally purchased land directly from me.”
He described the situation as catastrophic, saying that over 180 farmers have suffered losses exceeding ₦30 million due to the destruction of crops such as millet, maize, groundnuts, and guinea corn.
“This rainy season, we had already planted crops worth millions. Now, everything is under threat,” he lamented.
In response, the Gulumbe farming community has appealed to the Governor for protection and justice.
“We are peaceful citizens and remain loyal to his administration. We trust in his leadership to resolve this crisis,” Tafidan-Gulumbe stated.
To avoid escalation, he revealed that the community would pursue legal and traditional means of redress.
“Our lawyers will file formal complaints with the security agencies, and the Gulumbe District will report the matter to the Emirate Council. We have also informed our Ward Councillor and the member representing us in the State Assembly,” he said.
As of now, the Kebbi State Government has not issued an official response to the situation.