by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
KADUNA: Members of ‘OneAgape Foundation’ have staged a peaceful protest in Kaduna over the demolition of their property, located at Babban Saura community, calling on Governor Uba Sani’s intervention to ensure justice is done.
The protesters, who carried placards with different inscriptions demanding for justice, alleged that the land in question was legally acquired, adding that, all necessary documents were obtained before construction commenced.
Speaking during the protest, foundation’s Project Manager, Pedro Obhafuoso, said the demolished property was meant for a football academy, solar energy training centre and a skill acquisition hub aimed at empowering youths in Kaduna and beyond.
He explained that the foundation secured the land with genuine documents and obtained all required approvals from the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA).
“We acquired this land legally and obtained all the required permits before we began development. Everything done here was properly documented. So, we were shocked when armed men came and demolished the property without any prior notice,” he lamented.
Obhafuoso alleged that the demolition was carried out by persons claiming to represent government agencies, adding that meetings held with the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) and KASUPDA had not resolved the matter.
“At one of the meetings, we were told that government would relocate us to another site and give us new documents at no cost, but our question remains: why offer us another land when this one was legally acquired?” he asked.
He appealed to Governor Uba Sani to wade into the matter, describing him as a fair and inclusive leader.
“We are calling on the governor, Senator Uba Sani, to intervene. We know him as a man of justice and inclusiveness. We believe he will not allow such injustice to happen under his administration.”
According to the Project Manager, the incident has affected the confidence of their foreign partners, who had invested heavily in the project after being convinced that Kaduna was safe for business.
He warned that such experiences could discourage investors from bringing development projects to Kaduna State.
Some of the inscriptions reads: “OneAgape Foundation needs justice’;” “The demolition is against the law;” “We need Governor Uba Sani’s intervention;” “We need justice;” “Enough is enough, we need Gov Uba Sani’s intervention;” “Our property was illegally demolished.”