Gusau — Residents of Hilin Dada in Gusau metropolis have filed a petition against the Zamfara State Ministry of Land and Survey over what they described as illegal approval and allocation of their farmlands.

They alleged that the lands which are situated at the northern wing of Unguwar Gwaza Housing Estate were approved and allocated to illegal occupants during the administration of former governor Ahmad Sani Yarima.

According to the petitioners, they have lived on the land for about 50 years.

"When we complained to the House of Assembly Committee on Land and Housing and the Public Complaints Commission, they ruled that the authentic owners of the lands be given back their lands, but the ministry refused to obey," part of the petition read.

When contacted, the state's Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Engr. Lawal Jibril Jangebe, said they are aware of the issue, and that the House Committee on Lands and Survey sent them its resolution on the matter, and the ministry has replied it.