KNSG Declares End to Four-Decade BUK–Rimin Zakara Land Dispute
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano State Government has officially declared an end to the longstanding Bayero University Kano (BUK)–Rimin Zakara land dispute, describing the resolution as a historic milestone that restores peace, protects public interest, and safeguards the future expansion of the university.
The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabar Muhammad Umar, announced the development in a final address on the implementation of the settlement approved by the Kano State Government.
Rimin Zakara Compensation: Only 80 of 500 Claimants Clear DSS Screening – Commissioner
He said the dispute, which lasted for more than four decades, involved Bayero University Kano, Rimin Zakara, Rijiyar Zaki and neighbouring communities, resulting in prolonged litigation, protests, encroachments, conflicting land claims, security challenges, and loss of lives.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf directed the establishment of a High-Level Committee to find a comprehensive, lawful and humane solution through extensive consultations with Bayero University Kano, affected communities, security agencies and other stakeholders.
He disclosed that over 6,000 claims were identified and processed under the settlement programme, with verified beneficiaries allocated residential plots in approved resettlement layouts, while compensation for eligible claims and affected structures is being processed.
Hon. Abduljabar stated that the settlement preserved more than 85 per cent of Bayero University Kano’s land for its present and future academic, research and infrastructural development, while the Kano State Government committed billions of naira to compensation, resettlement, surveying, planning and infrastructure.
The Commissioner commended Bayero University Kano for its cooperation and willingness to make concessions in the interest of lasting peace, noting that the institution demonstrated exceptional responsibility by supporting a settlement that protects both the university and affected families.
He clarified that the compensation programme should not be interpreted as legal recognition of unlawful land transactions, explaining that many innocent purchasers acquired land in good faith without knowing that the sellers lacked legal ownership.
“The intervention of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was driven by compassion, equity and overriding public interest to prevent thousands of families from suffering severe social and economic hardship,” he said.
Hon. Abduljabar also warned individuals and land agents against exploiting the compensation process, assuring that verified beneficiaries would not lose their entitlements due to the misconduct of intermediaries. He added that anyone found withholding or illegally dealing with compensation documents would face legal action.
He further stated that the settlement has been reinforced by the judgment of the Kano State High Court delivered on 18 August 2026, which upheld the legality of the government’s land acquisition, ordered the removal of illegal developments, directed compensation for verified claimants and authorised enforcement of the judgment with the support of security agencies.
The Commissioner announced that, effective from 31 August 2026, all land within the officially surveyed boundaries reserved for Bayero University Kano will remain exclusively for the university’s development, while government lands designated for roads, infrastructure and public purposes will also be protected against encroachment.
He warned that anyone attempting to re-enter recovered land, commence fresh construction or illegally sell government or university land would face strict enforcement of the law.
While declaring the dispute officially closed, Hon. Abduljabar assured that the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning would continue processing outstanding compensation for verified beneficiaries, stressing that pending payments do not confer any right to continue occupying land covered by the settlement.
He appealed to affected communities, Bayero University Kano, traditional leaders, beneficiaries, security agencies, the media and the general public to support the implementation of the agreement to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development.
“This marks the end of a crisis that has lasted for nearly five decades. We pray Almighty Allah continues to bless Kano State with peace, justice and prosperity,” the Commissioner said.
