From Umar Dankano, Yola
Residents of Kofare/Dundere Community in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State have appealed to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to compensate those affected by the ongoing demolition of houses in the area.
The appeal follows the state government’s demolition of properties allegedly situated on land designated for the expansion and completion of the ultra-modern Jimeta Stadium.
The Adamawa State Government had earlier announced plans to demolish about 166 structures, maintaining that the affected properties were illegally built on land belonging to the stadium. According to the government, several notices were issued to occupants to vacate the area before demolition commenced on June 8, 2026.
Speaking at a press conference in Yola on Sunday, Chairman of the Kofare/Dundere Community, Mohammed Abdullahi Suleiman, urged the state government to provide compensation for all affected residents.
He maintained that many property owners acquired their plots through the appropriate government agencies and were issued legal documents, including certificates, building approvals, and development permits before constructing their homes.
Suleiman said some residents had lived in the community for more than 15 years and described the demolition as traumatic, despite acknowledging the government’s efforts to complete the stadium project.
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“We are not against the completion of the stadium, which is a project that will benefit the state. However, we are appealing to the government to consider the plight of affected residents by providing compensation or alternative arrangements,” he said.
He further appealed to Governor Fintiri to approach the matter with compassion, arguing that many of the affected families are law-abiding citizens who supported the present administration and should not be left without shelter or assistance.
According to him, the demolition has caused emotional and financial hardship, with some residents of the Kofare/Dundere Communit reportedly falling ill as a result of the development.
Findings by this reporter indicate that about 60 houses have so far been demolished. Some affected residents claimed they invested their retirement benefits in building the affected properties and now face uncertainty over their future.
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One resident, who requested anonymity, said the ownership dispute over the area had previously been addressed by the government in 1984.
According to the source, the stadium project was initially conceived during the administration of former Military Administrator AVM David Jang, while former Governor Murtala Nyako also carried out additional developments at the facility.
The source alleged that the current administration’s decision to complete the stadium has resulted in the demolition of numerous residential buildings without compensation or relocation plans, despite the prevailing economic challenges facing many families.
The Adamawa State Government has consistently maintained that the affected structures were erected on government land reserved for the stadium project and that adequate notices were issued before the demolition exercise commenced.