By Ismail Umar, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in the illegal encroachment of government owned reserve land, following the demolition of unauthorized structures at the Dambuwa Gidan Gabas Water Treatment Scheme.
Speaking shortly after inspecting the exercise, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, said the affected structures were built in clear violation of existing land-use regulations and posed serious risks to public infrastructure, environmental safety and water supply operations in the area.
He said the government would no longer tolerate the abuse of public land meant for critical infrastructure and public interest.
He stressed that the Dambuwa Gidan Babas Water Treatment Scheme is a strategic public asset, warning that any activity capable of undermining its operations would be met with decisive action, regardless of the individuals involved.
“The law is very clear. Government reserve lands, especially those protecting essential utilities like water treatment facilities, are not for private occupation.
“All affected persons were adequately notified and given ample time to vacate. This action is purely lawful and in the interest of public safety,” Barrister Dantshoho said.
The commissioner further warned that similar enforcement exercises would be extended to other parts of the state where government lands have been illegally occupied, adding that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse.
He called on residents to always verify land ownership and obtain proper approvals from relevant authorities before embarking on any form of development, noting that failure to do so could result in losses.
Barrister Dantsoho of the ministry explained that illegal developments around water facilities could contaminate water sources, obstruct maintenance activities and compromise the long term sustainability of public utilities.
Some residents in the area described the demolition as a necessary step to protect public infrastructure, urging the government to sustain the crackdown to deter future encroachment.
Authorities advised members of the public to report suspected illegal occupations of government land to the Ministry of Lands and Housing, assuring that the state would continue to act firmly to safeguard collective interest.
The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Sokoto State Ministry of Lands and Housing after the expiration of quit notices duly served on occupants who erected buildings illegally within the protected waterworks corridor.