El-Yakub Dabai
Birnin Kebbi
The Chairman of Jega Local Government, in Kebbi State, Murtala Habib Jega has demolished landed property belonging to the former Chairman of the council, Barr. Shehu Marshal and one Faruk Sarkin Kabbi.
The properties estimated to be worth N40 million were according to the council, acquired illegally.
The council had earlier revoked the property and reallocated the land to Jega Local Government Fire Service before its recent decision to demolish it.
“This decision was necessitated by the need to establish a functional Fire Service Station aimed at minimizing loss of lives and property arising from frequent fire outbreaks,” the Chairman explained.
Meanwhile, in a swift reaction, Faruk Sarkin Kabbi dismissed the claim made by the council Chairman, describing the action as mere political vendetta because the present and former Chairman belonged to APC and PDP respectively.
“The Chairman had allocated plots of lands at Eid Praying ground, Magistrate Court Premisses, General Hospital Area amongst many others. He should have allocated plots for the construction of the fire service station but he deliberately demolished our structure in the name of community services.
“I acquired this land for over eighteen years and Barrister Marshal got his own about eight years ago with appropriate documents. Marshal is the immediate past Chairman and I believe he can’t do illegal things. We will head to court to seek redress,” he said.
Our correspondent observed that the team which led the demolition was backed by men of the Nigeria Police Force.
When contacted to explain Police presence at the sight of the demolition, Kebbi State Police Command Spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar said the Command will investigate the matter and take necessary action.
