Companies involved in land disputes must allow farmers to keep farming, says Kaduna State Geographic Information Service.

This is as KADGIS steps in to resolve the major land disputes across the state’s rural communities.

KADGIS director-general, Bashir Ibrahim, announced the intervention after a meeting with stakeholders behind closed doors on Monday in Kaduna.

The disputes arose after past governments issued certificates of occupancy to companies, neglecting the presence of farming communities.

Mr Ibrahim revealed plans for an ‘integration of land’ programme to relocate affected farmers peacefully to alternative lands.

He confirmed that the firms have agreed to a temporary arrangement allowing farmers to remain while documents are reviewed and adjusted.

Mr Ibrahim noted that some farmlands cover up to 83 villages, complicating the resolution process.

“KADGIS has requested companies return their land titles for amendment, excluding village lands,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim warned companies against evicting villagers, affirming government support for citizens’ rights.

He urged farmers to stay calm, promising justice and fairness to guide the process.

“The government will address this issue gradually, but always within the law,” he said.

(NAN)