Kano govt begins confiscation of lands with approval issues

The Kano state government has started revoking and confiscating lands and structures with approval issues in the metropolitan area.

The confiscated properties, the government said, will be converted to mega schools to help address issues of congestions of schools in the outskirt of Kano city.

The state’s commissioner of information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who made the decision known on Monday, said the government has already confiscated and converted properties at Filin Bola along Court Road in Tarauni local government.

He said government would establish a Mega school on the property, which has no building permit.

“In view of the prevailing security challenges coupled with the congestion of schools in the outskirt of the city, Kano state government has commenced the revocation of illegally acquired or not properly documented properties and structures within the metropolitan area for the establishment of mega secondary schools,” he said.

He added that “the measure is aimed at decongesting the boarding schools across the 36 local government areas following persistent abduction of students from boarding schools in neighboring states.”

He also said the government was currently reviewing the security situation in the face of the recent offensive against bandits, kidnappers and other criminals in forests adjoining the state, but in the interim, the government would be proactive in adopting measures that secure its schools.

The commissioner further explained that government has noted with concern how congestion is creating incompatible atmosphere for teaching and learning in the schools as well as the portending dangers students are exposed to in the schools.

He also revealed that government would also confiscate property developed on areas not earmarked for the purpose it was meant for.

He said the government was currently “looking into cases of land approvals for residential purposes but converted to shops or commercial plots that are now turned to residential buildings and vice versa.”

Daily Trust reports that there have been criticisms in the past on how the state government allocate lands in the city for construction, with many alleging that the development has led to the destruction of the master plan of the ancient city.