By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Sokoto State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in the illegal occupation of government-owned land, following the demolition of unauthorized structures at the Dambuwa Gidan Babas Water Treatment Scheme.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Sokoto State Ministry of Lands and Housing after quit notices served on the occupants expired. The affected structures were illegally erected within the protected waterworks corridor.

Officials said the encroachments violated land-use regulations and posed serious risks to public infrastructure, environmental safety, and water supply operations in the area.

Speaking during the demolition, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, stressed that the government would no longer tolerate the misuse of public land designated for critical infrastructure.

“The Dambuwa Gidan Babas Water Treatment Scheme is a strategic public asset,” he said. “Any activity that undermines its operations will be met with decisive action, regardless of the individuals involved. All affected persons were properly notified and given ample time to vacate. This action is lawful and in the interest of public safety.”

Dantsoho warned that similar enforcement exercises would extend to other areas where government lands have been illegally occupied and emphasized that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse. He urged residents to verify land ownership and obtain proper approvals before undertaking any development.

Officials noted that illegal structures around water facilities could contaminate water sources, obstruct maintenance activities, and compromise the long-term sustainability of public utilities.

Some residents described the demolition as necessary to protect public infrastructure and called on the government to sustain the crackdown to deter future encroachments.

The Sokoto State Government reiterated its commitment to enforcing land-use laws, safeguarding public assets, and ensuring orderly urban development, while urging the public to report suspected illegal occupations to the Ministry of Lands and Housing.