A dispute has intensified at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, following allegations of forced eviction of long-standing residents of the Bakalori Irrigation Scheme colony area, amid an ongoing court case over land ownership.
A former staff member of the institution, who served for over 15 years, raised concern over what he described as attempts to remove occupants from the community, including individuals allegedly perceived as political supporters of former governors Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement addressed to the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, the former staff member alleged that the actions of the Polytechnic management amount to politicising an academic environment that should remain neutral, inclusive, and guided by due process.
He claimed that both staff and non staff residents within the Polytechnic’s surrounding community are being affected by what he described as forced ejection, raising concerns about fairness and legality.
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According to him, the Polytechnic management has taken the matter to court, seeking the removal of occupants from the disputed area on the basis that the land belongs to the institution.
However, he challenged the claim of ownership, insisting that there is no clear documentary evidence showing a valid purchase from the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority. He further alleged that records indicate the institution had earlier requested and received a refund from the authority, casting doubt on its ownership claim.
The matter is currently before the court and has been adjourned for hearing in the coming weeks, as both parties maintain opposing positions on the disputed land.