Residents of Diko, located in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, organized a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday to oppose the state government’s takeover of 500 hectares of farmland. The land was reportedly secured for an industrial solar project associated with Abuja Steel Mills Limited. Traditional masquerades joined the crowd of youths and locals as they marched through the town, waving signs and chanting against the project.
The demonstrators repeatedly shouted Ba ma yi, Ba ma so, which translates to We do not want it, we will not accept it, characterizing the government’s actions as a forceful and unauthorized seizure of their ancestral territory. According to local participants, the state government failed to consult or obtain the consent of those directly impacted by the land transfer.
The group eventually gathered at the project site where government representatives had previously executed the transfer. The protesters used music and traditional dance to formally signal their opposition. Many residents emphasized that this land is vital for their economic livelihood and food security. They warned that losing such a significant portion of their farming acreage would devastate the local community. The residents urged the Niger State government to revoke the decision, though authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the protest.
