Uba Sani allocates plots to victims of Malali demolition

The Kaduna State Government has begun allocating new plots of land to residents of Malali Low-Cost in Kaduna whose homes were demolished under the administration of Nasir El-Rufai.

Presenting the land titles to beneficiaries, the Director-General of the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim, said the move fulfils Governor Uba Sani’s pledge to ensure justice for affected residents.

He explained that the allocation followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on January 21, which reviewed the circumstances surrounding the demolition carried out by the previous administration.

Dr. Ibrahim urged beneficiaries to commence development of the plots without delay and cautioned against selling them, stressing the government’s intention to support them in becoming homeowners and contributing to the state’s growth.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal, chairman of the former Malali Low-Cost residents, expressed appreciation to the governor for addressing their long-standing grievances. He noted that the victims had spent about nine years seeking compensation and commended KADGIS for facilitating the process.

Other residents also praised the governor’s intervention, describing it as a compassionate response to their plight.

The demolition saga dates back to October 2020 when the Kaduna State Development and Property Company issued a seven-day quit notice to residents. Although initial protests led to a temporary suspension, a fresh three-day notice was served in March 2021, after which more than 80 structures were demolished.

Since then, affected homeowners have continued to engage the state government, seeking compensation or alternative housing solutions.