Residents of Kawara and surrounding communities on the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi have raised alarm over an alleged attempt by a senior official of the Kebbi State Ministry of Lands to divert an ongoing federal road project for personal land acquisition.

The community spokesperson, Bello Muhammad Kawara, while addressing journalists on Friday, claimed that the unnamed official had instructed the contractor handling the project to alter the original road alignment to facilitate access to plots of land allegedly targeted for illegal acquisition.

According to Kawara, the federal government road project, which begins from the Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi, passes through nine villages including Kawara, Kardi, Gwazon Fulani, Gwazon Zabarma, Unguwar Maifada, Bango Fulani, and Randali.

"This road is a federal government project, and we are fortunate it was awarded. But we are now being threatened with displacement because a top official is using his position to manipulate the route," he stated.

The affected communities expressed concern that the alleged manipulation of the road's alignment could result in the loss of ancestral farmlands and homes, potentially creating economic hardship for residents who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.

"Consequently, we are appealing to Governor Nasir Idris to urgently wade into the matter and protect us from this injustice and the hardship it may bring," Kawara added.

The communities emphasized the significant economic and agricultural value the road holds for the local population, highlighting the importance of maintaining its original alignment.

Attempts by reporters to get a reaction from the Kebbi State Ministry of Lands were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The situation has reportedly created tension in the affected communities as residents await intervention from the state government.