Masquerades join protest over acquisition of farmland for solar project in Niger state

Residents of Diko town in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State staged a peaceful protest against the acquisition of 500 hectares of farmland by the state government for an industrial solar farming project linked to Abuja Steel Mills Limited.

The protest, which featured masquerades in full regalia, drew large numbers of youths and community members who marched through major streets carrying placards and chanting slogans to oppose the land transfer.

Accompanied by drumming and traditional performances, the demonstrators repeatedly chanted, “Ba ma yi, Ba ma so,” meaning “We don’t want it, we won’t accept it,” as they condemned what they described as the forceful and illegal acquisition of their ancestral farmland. Residents alleged that the land was transferred to the company without adequate consultation or the consent of affected communities.

Sources said the protesters moved through the town before gathering at the site where government officials had reportedly carried out the formal transfer of the land to the company. At the location, the demonstration intensified as masquerades, youths, men and women engaged in prolonged drumming and dancing around the site, symbolically rejecting the project.

Speaking during the protest, residents said the affected land serves as a major source of livelihood for Diko and neighbouring communities, warning that the acquisition threatens their farming activities and economic survival. “We are predominantly farmers in this town and neighbouring communities. If such a large portion of our land is taken away for a company, we will be left with little or nothing to sustain ourselves,” one resident, who requested anonymity, said.

The protesters appealed to the Niger State Government to reverse the acquisition, arguing that the decision could undermine peace and development in the area.

“We appeal to the state government to have a rethink over its decision to acquire the land for the Abuja Steel Mills Limited Solar Farm. The decision is unacceptable and should be reversed immediately to allow peace to reign in our communities,” the resident added. As of the time of filing this report, the Niger State Government had not issued an official response to the protest.