Jaji Land Dispute: Lawyer Slams Military Over Demolition, Urges Compliance with Court Orders

Jaji Land Dispute: Lawyer Slams Military Over Demolition, Urges Compliance with Court Orders

Jaji, Kaduna State — Tensions have escalated in the ongoing land dispute between the Nigerian Army and local communities in Jaji, Kaduna State, following fresh allegations of house demolitions and arrests in defiance of existing court orders.

The communities—Ungwan Malam Auta, Ungwan Luaya, Ungwan Alhassan, and others—have been locked in a legal battle with the Nigerian Army since November 2020 over alleged encroachment on their ancestral lands, which they claim have been in their possession for over 200 years.

At the heart of the dispute is the Army’s construction of a perimeter fence around the Jaji Military Cantonment, which residents argue encroaches on their farmland and ancestral homes. In response to a legal challenge, the Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Hannatu Balogun, issued a restraining order halting construction activities and instructing the Army to allow residents access to their lands.

However, according to Barrister Kimi Appah, counsel to the affected communities, the Nigerian Army has allegedly ignored the court orders. Speaking to our correspondent via telephone, Appah stated:

“Despite clear restraining orders from the court, the Army has continued demolitions and made arrests within these communities, in direct violation of judicial directives.”

Reports from local sources claim that several houses have been demolished and community members detained without notice or compensation—actions described by the lawyer as “intimidation” and “unlawful occupation.”

Appah called on the federal government, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Army Staff to intervene immediately, urging the military to respect the rule of law and cease all unauthorized actions against the communities.

Community leaders have reiterated their demand for the enforcement of court orders, a halt to demolitions, and the release of those detained. They maintain that their ancestral lands are being seized without due process or legal compensation.

As the legal proceedings continue, observers note that the outcome may set an important precedent for land rights and military-civilian relations in Nigeria.