By FAIZA ABUBAKAR

The Gulumbe farming community in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has appealed to Governor Nasir Idris to urgently intervene over what they describe as the forcible seizure of their farmlands.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Alhaji Abubakar Tafidan?Gulumbe alleged that one Mustapha Sani?Zauro recently moved heavy machinery into their fields without notice or the consent of traditional leaders.

?For generations, we have cultivated these lands, with some farmers inheriting them from their forefathers. Suddenly, Sani?Zauro arrived to clear them,? Tafidan?Gulumbe said.

He claimed that when challenged, Sani?Zauro stated he was acting on behalf of one of the governor?s wives. However, Tafidan?Gulumbe dismissed the claim, insisting Governor Idris would not sanction such actions.

?Even before becoming governor, he was known for his integrity. Whenever he needed land, he purchased it legally, he once bought a plot from me,? he said.

According to him, the alleged land grab has affected over 180 farmers, with crop losses estimated at more than N30 million, including millet, groundnuts, maize and guinea corn planted this rainy season.

?As law?abiding citizens, we seek the governor?s intervention to protect our lands and livelihoods,? Tafidan?Gulumbe stated.

He said the community would formally petition security agencies and notify the Emirate Council to avert possible unrest, while also briefing their ward councillor and state assembly representative.

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