The Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah (SOKAMUDA) and the Muslim Youth Foundation of Southern Kaduna (MYFOSKA) have raised concerns over the alleged marginalisation of Muslim communities in that half of Kaduna State.
During a presentation to the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Amendment at the North-West Zonal Public Hearing in Kaduna, the groups highlighted several issues affecting their community, which includes the alleged exclusion of Muslim communities from the agitation and deliberations on the proposed Gurara State.
SOKAMUDA and MYFOSKA objected to the exclusion, saying that Muslims constitute over 40% of the population in Southern Kaduna, and emphasised the need for all stakeholder communities to be consulted as enshrined in the constitution.
The groups also raised concerns over the settler/indigene dichotomy, which they believe is a tool of marginalisation. They argued that Muslim communities in Southern Kaduna are not strangers or settlers but co-founders and legitimate stakeholders in the region. They cited historical evidence, including the existence of Jama’a Emirate since 1808 and Zangon Kataf (now Zango Urban) for over 500 years.
SOKAMUDA and MYFOSKA also highlighted land ownership and denial of rights to shelter and farming. According the groups, many Muslim communities in Southern Kaduna face systemic denial of access to land for farming, residence, or religious structures.
SOKAMUDA and MYFOSKA called on the National Assembly to consider their concerns and recommendations. They emphasised fairness, equity, and justice in addressing the issues affecting Muslim communities in the area.
The groups made other recommendations, including revisiting the Gurara State proposal to include the demand of the Muslim Ummah
It also called for the abolition of the settler/indigene dichotomy and adoption of citizenship and residency as the basis for rights, and enshrining in the Constitution the right of all citizens to acquire and own land anywhere.
