From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) has reaffirmed its ownership of the Bakalori Colony Residential Complex, seeking to resolve a long-standing dispute over the ownership and management of the estate.
The position was reiterated during a two-hour meeting held at the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme Office in Talata Mafara. The five-man delegation from the Authority’s headquarters was led by the Executive Director, Planning, Hon. Kabiru Ladan Maigoro.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Maigoro said the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority remained the rightful owner of the entire residential complex and that no other entity had ownership rights over the estate.
The delegation also conveyed assurances from the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Authority, urging residents and tenants of the colony to recognise the Authority as the sole landlord.
In their response, members of the Colony Community executive appreciated the Authority for its intervention, describing it as an important step towards resolving the long-standing ownership dispute.
The community leader, Mallam Abubakar Dakin Gari, said the intervention had brought renewed hope to residents after years of uncertainty over the ownership and administration of the complex.
The community also alleged that Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, had previously exploited the ownership dispute to intimidate residents and fuel political differences, which they said strained relationships within the estate community.
The residents expressed optimism that the Authority’s reaffirmation of ownership would restore stability, unity and peaceful coexistence within the Bakalori Colony Residential Complex.
The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority is one of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, with responsibilities including irrigation and agricultural development.