The National President of the Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM), Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu
The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement (NSNCM) has announced the peaceful resolution of a land dispute in Ama-Hausa, Owerri, Imo State, involving the Hausa community and their traditional leader, the Sarkin Hausawa of Owerri, Alhaji Auwalu Baba Sulaiman.
The group, comprising a coalition of 596 registered grassroots community-based socio-cultural and economic associations spanning the 19 Northern states and encompassing Northerners residing in the 17 Southern states, described the resolution as a victory for peace, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the National President of the NSNCM, Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, said the organisation is committed to protecting the rights and interests of every Northerner, no matter where they reside in Nigeria.
The dispute, which began in July 2024, revolved around a piece of land in Ama-Hausa, Owerri, traditionally used as a hub for Bureau de Change operations by the Hausa community.
Members of the community accused the Sarkin Hausawa of attempting to claim the property for personal use.
Aliyu explained that the NSNCM acted immediately upon receiving the complaint.
He said the case was subsequently referred to the Force Intelligence Bureau, under the leadership of DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, for investigation and appropriate action.
He stated, “Following a comprehensive investigation, which included multiple stakeholder engagements and a fact-finding mission to Owerri, the following recommendations were made by the investigative team:
‘No individual has the right to claim ownership of communal property unless explicitly declared by a court of competent jurisdiction. All parties involved in the dispute—both the complainants and the suspect—are members of the Ama-Hausa Community. This community has historically utilized the disputed land for commercial purposes, particularly as a Bureau de Change business hub.’
“The Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Auwalu Baba Sulaiman, must recognize that he cannot unilaterally convert or divert communal property for personal use under the guise of traditional authority. Should he feel aggrieved, his only legal recourse is to approach the courts for redress.
“The use of force or violence to claim communal land is strictly prohibited and, if pursued, could lead to criminal charges, including trespass and malicious damage to property.
“Both parties agreed to abide by the recommendations, signed an undertaking to maintain peace, and committed to preserving the status quo.”
Aliyu expressed belief that the matter has been amicably resolved, adding that the Hausa community in Ama-Hausa, Owerri, can continue to utilize the property for legitimate business purposes without fear of interference or intimidation.
“This resolution underscores the importance of peaceful dialogue, respect for the rule of law, and unity among community members. As an organization, we remain committed to safeguarding the rights of Northerners and promoting harmony wherever they reside,” he said.
