Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has addressed the recent demolitions of some houses around airport layout in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State.

He made the clarification during a live broadcast on Sunday, February 9, 2025, where he shed light on the circumstances surrounding the demolitions.

He revealed that the Federal Government had compensated landowners in the affected areas as far back as 1976.

The agreement was documented in the ‘Land compensation in respect of construction of Maiduguri Airport,’ the governor said.

According to him, residents who erected buildings in the area were aware that the land did not belong to them.

“The Airport authority has put up a sign indicating no one should build there but they removed the signs and built there regardless,”he said.

The governor attributed the problem to ward heads and land sellers, who deceived people into building in the area with promises of government compensation.

He noted that a similar demolition occurred in 2010, affecting over 30 houses, before his administration took office.

Gov. Zulum refuted claims that 5,000 houses were affected, stating that only 306 houses were demolished, with only 65 being fully completed and occupied by families.

“The houses affected are 306 contrary to the proposed 500 and the ones which are completed with families residing inside are only 65,” he said.

To address the issue, the governor promised to investigate and sanction those involved in illicit land sales.

“We have the complete documents, where the area and ward heads were called for a meeting during my administration and despite that people continued to erect buildings,” he added.

He expressed dismay over the occurrence, adding that anyone involved in illicit sale of land will be sanctioned and dismissed through the appropriate authorities.

He promised that the government will explore means to ease the hardship of those affected and urged residents to prevent further occurrences.

He also advised residents to follow the appropriate procedures when purchasing land, through either the Borno Geographical Information Service (BOGIS) or the ministry of land and survey.