Gombe land agency boss alleges death threats over reforms

The Director-General of Gombe Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS), Kabiru Usman, has revealed he is facing death threats from powerful figures angered by ongoing land reforms in the state. Usman made this disclosure on Friday during the inauguration of the GOGIS Field Office and the launch of a statewide land title recertification exercise.

Usman stated that these threats are not new, as he has previously received warnings and threats of physical harm due to decisions made during land reform implementation. "Recently, I received death threats from an influential individual within Gombe State. Several years ago, I received similar threats, including physical harm," he said, noting that while past incidents were reported and dismissed as empty threats, he felt it necessary to officially record the latest one.

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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.

Despite the intimidation, Usman affirmed his dedication to the responsibilities entrusted to him by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya. He stressed that public officers should not face threats for performing their legal 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," he stated, adding, "However, no public officer should be threatened simply for carrying out lawful duties."

The GOGIS chief explained that the reforms challenge entrenched interests and long-standing practices, inevitably leading to resistance. He highlighted the agency's guiding principle: no one is above the law. Under Governor Yahaya's administration, GOGIS has modernized land administration, digitizing over 45,000 land records and 52 layouts, and regularizing approximately 18,000 customary land titles. The agency has generated over ₦7.5 billion in land revenue and introduced digital certificates of occupancy for enhanced efficiency and transparency. Usman also pointed to the successful Property Identification and Management Exercise, resolution of land disputes, restoration of access roads, and correction of planning distortions. Major projects like Shongo Gardens and the Renewed Hope Agro-Industrial Village, along with the transformation of Shehu Abubakar District, have attracted investments exceeding ₦30 billion.

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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 responsibilities.