Gombe land agency boss says his life is in danger

The Director-General of the Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS), Kabiru Usman, has claimed that his life is under threat from some powerful individuals unhappy with land reforms in Gombe State.

Mr Usman raised the alarm on Friday during the opening of the GOGIS Field Office in Shehu Abubakar District and the launch of the Statewide Land Title Recertification Exercise.

He mentioned that he has received death threats connected to GOGIS's efforts to promote transparency, restore order in urban areas, and protect public lands across the state. He noted that these threats are not new, as he has faced similar warnings and threats before regarding decisions made during land reforms.

“Recently, I received death threats from an influential individual within Gombe State. Several years ago, I received similar threats, including physical harm. While the matter was reported to security agencies and treated as an empty threat, I consider it important to place the incident on record,” he said.

Mr Usman stated that despite the intimidation, he is dedicated to the mission given to him by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. He believes that no public officer should face threats for doing their lawful duties.

“I have served this state with sincerity and without fear or favour. I have five daughters and, like every citizen, I hope to live a long life and die a natural death. However, no public officer should be threatened simply for carrying out lawful duties,” he added.

He explained that the reforms implemented by GOGIS have challenged powerful interests and long-standing practices, leading to inevitable resistance.

He emphasized that one guiding principle for the agency throughout the reform process is that nobody is above the law. Under Governor Yahaya's administration, GOGIS has changed land administration in the state through significant digitalization and modernization efforts.

Mr Usman revealed that over 45,000 land records and more than 52 layouts have been digitized, while around 18,000 customary land titles have been regularized. He also mentioned that the agency has generated more than ₦7.5 billion in land-related revenue and introduced digital certificates of occupancy to enhance efficiency and transparency.

He further shared that the agency has successfully carried out the Property Identification and Management Exercise (PIME), settled many land disputes, restored blocked access roads, and corrected planning issues across the state.

Mr Usman pointed out the development of major projects, including Shongo Gardens, the Renewed Hope Agro-Industrial Village, and the ongoing transformation of Shehu Abubakar District into a modern urban growth area, attracting investments worth over ₦30 billion.

Regarding the Statewide Land Title Recertification Exercise, he called it a landmark initiative to move existing land titles to a secure digital platform. This exercise will help eliminate duplication, strengthen ownership verification, protect property rights, boost investor confidence, and safeguard land for future generations.

He also defended recent actions taken jointly by GOGIS and the Gombe State Urban Planning and Development Authority (GOSUPDA). These include demolishing illegal structures and restoring blocked access roads. He stated that these actions were lawful and necessary to protect the public interest, citing the recovery of more than 2.1 hectares of public land that had been illegally taken along Kumo Road.

To build on the successes of the reforms, he suggested setting up a Special Land Regulation Enforcement Task Force. This task force would help combat encroachment, strengthen compliance, and ensure sustainable urban development.

Reflecting on his nearly six years in office, Mr Usman praised Governor Yahaya for providing the support needed to carry out reforms that many thought were impossible. He credited the governor for allowing professionals to do their jobs without interference.

As he prepares to leave office soon, Mr Usman urged future administrations to continue the momentum of the reforms and protect the institutions built by the current government. He warned that land administration should never be affected by politics or personal interests, stressing that professionals must always have the freedom to perform their duties according to the law and for the public good.