The Association of Kuyan Ta’inna layout owners has decried the takeover of their lands, which they bought years ago, for railway construction without prior consultation with them or their legal representatives.
The Chairman of the association, Mika’il Kuyan Ta’inna, made this statement today in Kano while addressing the owners on the possible course of action and to inform whoever is involved to desist or face legal action.
The chairman mentioned that since last year, they have been hearing rumors that the Federal Government is taking over their lands for railway construction without consulting them.
Thousands of owners were unaware of the issue until this week when they observed some people digging on their lands for the erection of a standard gauge railway line.
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Some victims of the alleged land seizure, including Rukayya Ya’u, stated that her land is among the areas where contractors have commenced digging. They learned about the issue over the radio and subsequently, there was a meeting announced to discuss the way forward.
Mika’il, the Chairman of the association, emphasized that if not addressed promptly, the issue could escalate, as thousands of affected landowners have their lands valued from 2.5 million to 3 million and above. The Federal government appears unyielding on the matter.
He added that the contractors have not engaged with anyone since they assessed the site last year.
Mika’il expressed dismay that the contractors stated they would not compensate anyone who did not develop their land, which he deemed unfortunate.
They appeal to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene and resolve the situation.
The association also informed journalists that they are prepared to pursue their rights through legal means if necessary.
The affected layouts include Kuyan Tainna 338 A and B.
Kuyanta Inna is a residential layout established by the Kano state government around 2013 and 2015 in the Kumbotso local government area under the former Governor of Kano state, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. It was later owned by private individuals, with 70 to 80 percent already developed as residential areas.
The previous federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari decided to construct a railway, affecting the residential area of Kuyan Tainna, with no plans for compensating the owners.