May 2, 2011
Nigeria

Communities protest over confiscated farmlands

Lawal Ibrahim, Katsina, Daily Trust, www.dailytrust.dailytrust.com 2 May 2011

Communities in Rimi Local Government Areas of Katsina State, have protested the confiscation of their farmlands for the independent wind power project in the state.

Members of the communities, who visited Daily Trust office in Katsina, yesterday lamented over what they described as the confiscation of their farmlands for the project without prior notice. They also lamented that there were no plans by the government to compensate them. Spokesman of the group, Jamilu Ibrahim, lamented that their farmlands were their only source of livelihood. He said they attempted to stage a peaceful demonstration over the matter some time ago, but were stopped by their elders, who promised to speak to the appropriate authorities. Villages affected by the take-over include lambar Rimi, Maje, rijiya Mai Ciminti and Goni.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Relations, Alhaji Nasiru Abdul said although it is a federal project, the state has approved money for the payment of compensation to the people. He said the payment would commence soon.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government last year awarded a contract for the construction of a wind farm to be a source of alternative energy. The project when completed is expected to generate 10 megawatts for the state.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/05/02/communities-protest-over-confiscated-farmlands/