GOMBE COMMUNITY REJECTS PROPOSED FARMLAND ACQUISITION FOR PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

The Kundulum Community Development Association has rejected the proposed  acquisition of community farmlands for the permanent site of the privately owned Jewel University.

The move followed a town hall meeting held with community leaders and residents to deliberate on the acquisition, even as stakeholders called for dialogue.

Speaking at the meeting on Saturday, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Shuaibu Gara, described the proposed acquisition as unjust and lacking adequate consultation with the affected community.

“It is unfair for government to acquire our land under the guise of public interest when the project is meant for a privately owned university,” Gara said.

He alleged that government officials had already commenced the demarcation of about 110 hectares of farmland without proper engagement with the landowners and that the compensation being proposed was far below the market value of the land.

“Officials have started marking about 110 hectares without meaningful consultation with those who own the land.

The compensation being offered does not reflect the true value of our farmlands,” he stated.

Gara further recalled that the Kundulum community had previously surrendered large portions of land for several public projects, including the Gombe State University, the Federal College of Education, the Livestock City and a market, but said the community had received little in return.

“We have given land for Gombe State University, the Federal College of Education, the Livestock City and a market, yet our people have not benefited through employment opportunities or meaningful community development,” he said.

He urged the management of Jewel University to engage directly with the community and negotiate fairly with the landowners rather than relying on compulsory acquisition.

“We are calling on the management of Jewel University to come to the community, engage with us and negotiate fairly with the landowners. Government must also ensure transparency, adequate compensation and respect for the rights of indigenous communities throughout this process,” Gara added.

Some of the affected landowners also expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed acquisition, appealing to the Gombe State Government to review the process and ensure justice.

“Our farmlands are our only source of livelihood. Taking them away will affect our families and our future,” one of the affected landowners said.

The landowners thus further appealed to the state government to allow them to retain their farmlands or ensure that any acquisition process is conducted fairly, transparently and with adequate compensation.

Discover more