Kano State resolves 50-year BUK and Rimin Zakara land dispute

The Kano State Government has announced the resolution of a nearly 50-year land dispute between Bayero University Kano (BUK) and the residents of Rimin Zakara, Rijiyar Zaki, and surrounding areas. The conflict, which dates back to the 1980s, had been characterized by prolonged litigation, encroachment, and security incidents that resulted in injuries and loss of life.

To resolve the crisis, the state implemented a compensation and resettlement programme. Following interventions by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a high-level committee was formed to verify claims and examine historical records. The government identified and processed more than 6,000 claims and interests.

Under the settlement, residential plots have been allocated to verified beneficiaries through specific schemes, and monetary compensation for eligible structures is being processed. The resolution aims to protect the rights of citizens who invested in the land while preserving more than 85 per cent of BUK’s original landholding.