Residents of Tudun Tukare Tsohuwa Community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State have expressed concern over the compensation being paid for houses and plots of land affected by a flood control project, saying the amounts received are too low to enable them to secure new homes within Jibia town.
At a meeting organized by the community association on Thursday, 18 June 2026, Hikaya Newspaper reported that residents commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his efforts to promote development and protect citizens’ rights. However, they appealed to him to intervene and review the compensation process.
One of the residents, Abdulkarim Idris, said the construction of drainage channels had significantly changed their living conditions, making access to water, electricity, and movement into the town more difficult. He stated that the compensation he received would not be enough to buy land or build a house within Jibia.
He argued that if the government wants them to relocate from their homes, they should be paid adequate compensation that would allow them to secure alternative accommodation. He also called for a review of the property valuation process and the compensation amounts being paid.
Speaking on the issue, Aminu Ibrahim said the process of documenting affected houses, lands, and other properties began in 2023 under a support programme jointly planned by the World Bank and the Katsina State Government.
He explained that five individuals who initially received compensation payments as part of a pilot exercise launched by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Lawal Jobe, were paid between N6 million and N9 million.
However, he said that many other residents later received compensation ranging from N250,000 to N1.2 million. He added that some affected residents have yet to receive any payment.
Aminu appealed to Governor Radda to investigate the implementation of the project and examine allegations concerning the management of additional support funds that were reportedly allocated to assist victims of the flood disaster beyond the compensation payments.
A widow with four children, Basira Salisu, said she received N1.2 million as compensation, but the amount would not enable her to buy a house or land in Jibia. She explained that she faces serious challenges due to the loss of her husband and the responsibility of caring for her children.
Basira also expressed fear about remaining in the area as the rainy season has already begun. She appealed to the government to review the matter and ensure justice for affected residents.
Another resident, Hassan Usman, said nearly 120 houses were affected by the project. He noted that while some residents received compensation, many were dissatisfied with the amounts paid, while others had not received any compensation.
Hassan stressed that residents are not opposed to the drainage project, as they believe it has helped reduce the risk of flooding. However, he insisted that compensation should reflect the true value of affected properties.
In her remarks, another widow, Amina Usman, who is raising seven children, said she has not received any compensation.
She explained that after losing her home, she now lives in a temporary shelter and is struggling to care for her children under difficult conditions.
The residents also reminded the government of the devastating flood that struck Jibia in 2018, which reportedly claimed more than 50 lives, destroyed hundreds of houses, and displaced many people, according to reports from emergency management agencies.
They noted that affected communities were promised new houses and other forms of support at the time, along with the construction of critical infrastructure to reduce the impact of future flooding.
The residents of Tudun Tukare Tsohuwa therefore appealed to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to order a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the management of compensation funds.
They also urged the government to provide a lasting and meaningful solution to their plight as quickly as possible.
