Kebbi Farmers Lament N30 Million Crop Loss After Alleged Land Grab by Governor’s Ally

Farmers in Gulumbe village, located in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, are crying out for help following the destruction of crops worth over ₦30 million amid claims of illegal land seizure.

According to the community leader, Abubakar Tafidan-Gulumbe, the crisis began when a man identified as Mustapha Sani-Zauro reportedly arrived with heavy machinery and began clearing large areas of farmland without prior notice or community consultation.

“For generations, we’ve farmed these lands. Suddenly, this man came and started clearing everything without even informing our traditional leaders,” Tafidan-Gulumbe told journalists on Tuesday.

He further alleged that Sani-Zauro claimed to be acting on behalf of members of Governor Nasir Idris’s family, though the community insists they believe the governor would not support such actions.

The result of the land clearing has been devastating: over 180 farmers have been affected, with vital crops like millet, maize, groundnuts, and guinea corn destroyed.

“This rainy season alone, we had planted crops worth more than ₦30 million. Now, everything is in danger,” Tafidan-Gulumbe lamented.

Community Demands Governor’s Intervention

In a passionate appeal, the villagers are calling on Governor Idris to urgently step in, investigate the incident, and stop the alleged encroachment.

Tafidan-Gulumbe confirmed that formal complaints would be submitted to security agencies, the Emirate Council, and other traditional institutions, warning that if not addressed quickly, the situation could escalate.

“We don’t want our youth to feel helpless and resort to taking the law into their own hands,” he said.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Kebbi State Government or the accused individuals.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.