SOKAMUDA and MYFOSKA Call for Reforms to Address Marginalization

By Abdullahi Abdurrahman , Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah (SOKAMUDA) and the Muslim Youth Foundation of Southern Kaduna (MYFOSKA) have raised concerns over the marginalization of Muslim communities in Southern Kaduna.

This was made 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.

One of the concerns raised was the exclusion of Muslim communities from the agitation and deliberations on the proposed Gurara State.

SOKAMUDA and MYFOSKA objected to the exclusion, citing that Muslims constitute over 40% of the population in Southern Kaduna. They emphasized 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 marginalization. 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 the issue of land ownership and denial of rights to shelter and farming. 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 emphasized the need for fairness, equity, and justice in addressing the issues affecting Muslim communities in Southern Kaduna.

The forum maintained that Reforming the Land Use Act for equitable representation and access Officially recognizing the cultural heritage and historical contributions of Muslim communities in Southern Kaduna

The groups made several recommendations, including Revisiting the Gurara State proposal to includes the demand of the Muslim Ummah

The group also called for Abolishing the settler/indigene dichotomy and adopting citizenship and residency as the basis for rights, ensrining in the Constitution the right of all citizens to acquire and own land anywhere.