By Wole Mosadomi, Minna
Masquerades in full regalia on Tuesday led residents of Diko town in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State in a peaceful protest against the acquisition of 500 hectares of farmland by the state government for an industrial solar farming project linked to Abuja Steel Mills Limited.
The protesters, made up largely of youths and community members, marched through major streets of the town, chanting slogans and carrying placards to express their opposition to the land transfer.
Accompanied by drumming and traditional performances, the demonstrators repeatedly chanted, “Ba ma yi, Ba ma so”—meaning “We don’t want it, we won’t accept it”—as they condemned what they described as the forceful and illegal acquisition of their ancestral farmland.
The residents alleged that the land was transferred to the company without adequate consultation or the consent of affected communities.
