(Masquerades lead protest. Photo Creditl; Sky Bullet News)
Masquerades in full regalia led residents of Diko town in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State in a peaceful protest on Tuesday against the acquisition of 500 hectares of farmland by the state government for an industrial solar farming project linked to Abuja Steel Mills Limited.
The demonstrators, comprising largely youths and community members, marched through major streets of the town carrying placards and chanting slogans, accompanied by drumming and traditional performances.
They repeatedly chanted “Ba ma yi, Ba ma so” meaning “We don’t want it, we won’t accept it” as they condemned what they described as the forceful and unlawful transfer of their ancestral land.
Residents alleged that the acquisition was carried out without adequate consultation or the consent of affected communities.
The protesters eventually converged at the site where government officials had reportedly conducted the formal handover of the land to the company, where masquerades, youths and community members intensified the demonstration with prolonged drumming and dancing.
Speaking to journalists, residents said the affected land is a primary source of livelihood for Diko and neighbouring settlements, and that losing it would threaten their farming activities and economic survival.
“We are predominantly farmers in this town and neighbouring communities. If such a large portion of our land is taken away for a company, we will be left with little or nothing to sustain ourselves,” one resident said.
The protesters called on the Niger State Government to reconsider and reverse the acquisition in the interest of peace and community welfare.
