By Rabiu Sanusi
The Kano State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal land transactions with the arrest of two suspected land speculators allegedly involved in the unlawful demarcation and sale of government-owned land at the Southern Terminal Layout (Trailer Park) in Gundutse.
The arrests were made during an inspection of the site by the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar Garko, who also supervised the commencement of the demolition of illegal structures erected on the government-owned property.
Addressing journalists at the site, the commissioner disclosed that the Southern Terminal Layout was acquired by the Kano State Government over a decade ago after full compensation was paid to the original landowners.
He explained that the layout was specifically designed to serve as a transit terminal for heavy-duty trailers and passenger vehicles travelling to the southern parts of the country, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion within the Kano metropolis.
Hon. Garko described the activities of individuals illegally selling portions of the land as economic sabotage, warning that the government would not tolerate attempts to encroach on public property.
He likened the situation to previous cases of illegal land encroachment recorded in the Rimin Zakara area, stressing that the administration remains committed to protecting government assets.
The commissioner cautioned members of the public against purchasing land through customary sale agreements, popularly known as Takardar Ciniki da Cinikayya, emphasising that such documents have no legal standing in government-designated layouts.
“This layout is 100 per cent government property. It was legally acquired, properly planned, and reserved for public infrastructure. We have arrested two suspects at the site today, while the demolition of all illegal structures is ongoing.
“Anyone found engaging in illegal land transactions or destroying public infrastructure will face the full weight of the law,” Hon. Garko stated.
He further recalled that the ministry recently carried out a similar enforcement operation, during which suspects accused of vandalising bridge infrastructure and illegally allocating government land were arrested and remanded in custody by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The commissioner urged residents and prospective land buyers to always verify the legal status of any land or property with the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning before making any purchase or financial commitment.
He warned that the state government would sustain its enforcement efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and government-owned land from illegal occupation.