Farmers in Barawa and Shibdawa communities of Batagarawa Local Government Area, Katsina State, have raised alarm over a sudden eviction from farmlands they say were legally acquired and cultivated. They accuse the Katsina State Forest Management and Boundary Demarcation Committee, chaired by Alhaji Halilu Bako, of displacing them without due notice or explanation.

At a press conference held on Monday, the aggrieved farmers said they had complied with all state procedures—securing approval and paying ₦15,000 annual levies—before preparing the lands, applying fertiliser, and planting crops. Their hopes were dashed when they received abrupt orders to vacate the area, allegedly on instructions from Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

“This action is unjust and suspicious. We were never warned. We had already invested time and resources,” one farmer said. “The area was once dangerous, but farming drove out criminals. Now we fear that insecurity will return.”

The farmers claim their displacement is part of a plot to resettle unidentified individuals, some of whom they believe may have links to criminal groups. “We’ve heard credible reports that the new occupants may be tied to banditry. We cannot sit by and watch this happen,” another added.

They appealed to Governor Radda to launch an independent investigation, stating they believe his name is being misused to carry out acts that contradict his administration’s agricultural and security goals.

“We believe in the governor’s vision, but this eviction goes against it. We fear betrayal,” said one speaker.

Representatives from several affected communities attended the briefing, including Barawa, Shibdawa, Tantagarya, Sabon Gari, Walawa, Yar Tsamiya, and Shekar Gabi. Among them were DSP Aliyu Mamman, Secretary of the Farmers’ Association; Alhaji Abbati Dahiru, President of the Katsina Poultry and Farmers’ Association; Vigilante Commander Muntari Kudi-Kasa; Dr. Salisu Abdullahi; youth leader Awwal Shu’aibu; and religious leader Musa Yusuf Dahiru.

In response, committee chairman Alhaji Halilu Bako denied the allegations, saying all forest allocations follow due process and are reserved for indigenous communities.