Tension in Kaduna over planned demolition

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March 23, 2016 2:49 PM

There is palpable tension in Kaduna, Nigeria over planned demolition of a community with over 400 houses by the state governor, Malam Nasir Elrufai.

Governor Nasir El-rufai

Gbagyi Villa residents in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State had last week organized a protest against the planned demolition by Elrufai.

But the government acted swiftly in a statement notifying members of the state that there were plans of Security Bridge in the community.

As the 21-day notice given to the community by the state government to vacate the community elapses on Thursday, March 24, 2016, armed police men were sighted in the community patrolling.

The community had secured a court injunction restraining the Kaduna State government from carrying out the demolition but some residents who spoke to Pulse said they fear that authorities may not obey the court order.

“We just saw heavy policemen patrolling our communities. We don’t know what is really happening because we have secured a court injunction stopping the state government from carrying out such an illegal demolition,” Tanko Yari said.

“Let me tell you, a lot of people are ready to die protecting their houses because they have laboured all the years, bought land and erected these structures. Many of the people you see in these communities, most of them are retirees. The land issue had already been settled long time ago. It was an issue between Gbagyi communities and Federal Polytechnic Kaduna. Why is this government bent on inflicting pains on the people?” Another resident Samuel Dariya asked.

Chairman of Gbagyi Villa residents, Mr. Chris Obodumu has said that Kaduna State Urban Planning andDevelopment Agency (KASUPDA) gave Planning Permits and Building Permission to the resident but wonder why the government was bent at punishing law abiding citizens.

KASUPDA, in their demolition notice, cites alleged non-possession of planning permit by Gbagyi villa residents.

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