Protest as Niger Residents reject alleged move to Adopt Abuja

Tension escalated in the Dakwa community as local residents accused a recently appointed district head of allegedly harassing them and pressuring them to abandon their ties to Niger State in favor of Abuja. The dispute has deepened concerns over a potential boundary conflict between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State.

The protest at the palace of Malam Muhammadu Auwal Ibrahim occurred on Saturday, with residents alleging that Alhassan Babachukuri, the district head known as Sarkin Alhassan, demanded changes to property allocation documents from Niger State to the FCT. The community's long-standing ties to Dakwa, which they claim falls under Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, were central to their argument.

Malam Halilu Abubakar Garba, the District Head of Zuba, detailed the origins of the dispute, stating that it began following the appointment of Babachukuri. Garba contended that the district head was not only harassing residents but also coercing them to identify with Abuja despite their property documents bearing Niger State. He alleged that Babachukuri had removed references to Niger State from community signboards and even painted over them.

Garba expressed concern that the situation could escalate to dangerous levels, with residents fearing for their lives and properties. He noted that the local government chairman and other authorities were aware of the tensions, and a meeting was scheduled in Kaduna to address the issue. However, the district head, Sarkin Alhassan Babachukuri, denied all allegations, asserting that there was no plan to transfer Dakwa and Dei communities from Niger State to the FCT. He refused to comment further when approached by the reporter.