Gombe State Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) has recovered 4.3 hectares of stolen land in Shehu Abubakar District
The Gombe State Geographic Information Systems (GOGIS) has recovered 4.3 hectares of stolen land in Shehu Abubakar District, a premium estate in the state capital, after uncovering illegal subdivisions and sales of plots originally reserved for public facilities.
Dr. Kabir Usman Hassan, Director-General of GOGIS, led an inspection tour of the district and disclosed that 2.6 hectares meant for public use had been illegally sold and subdivided, while another 1.7 hectares had been encroached upon by individuals, some of whom held documents for 3,500 square metres but occupied over 7,000 square metres.
“Access roads, road setbacks, open spaces, and areas reserved for schools, health facilities, security services, and recreational centres had been systematically converted into private holdings without authorization,” Dr. Hassan said.
The recovered lands have now been reverted to the government and allocated to key institutions, including the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya directed that allocations prioritize rightful titleholders with proper documentation, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to transparency and fairness.
To ease transitions for former allottees, the government approved a 70% waiver of relevant land charges and provided plots close to previous locations.
Dr. Hassan noted that Shehu Abubakar District has been repositioned as a livable, orderly, and investment-ready area, protected against erosion risks and structured to meet contemporary urban needs. The district now features 20.5 kilometres of road networks and a ₦3.98 billion erosion control project, covering 7.5 kilometres of gullies from Gombe International Hotel to Nayi-Nawa, safeguarding infrastructure and supporting sustainable growth.
“The government has opened a new chapter in urban renewal and plans to replicate this success in other parts of the state,” he said, while warning titleholders to develop their plots within six months to avoid forfeiture.
The initiative is expected to attract investment, improve living standards, and serve as a model for urban planning across Gombe State.
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