Soldiers reportedly clashed with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) officials in Abuja, disrupting the demolition of illegal structures. Allegations of violence, threats, and gunfire have surfaced in the dramatic encounter.
The confrontation unfolded in Abuja as soldiers allegedly acted on orders from a high-ranking army officer to obstruct officials from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Development Control.
The officials were executing directives from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to demolish unauthorised structures in the Sabon Lugbe area.
The incident reportedly escalated into threats, violence, and gunfire, sparking widespread concern.
On Wednesday, December 18, FCT officials arrived at Plot 416 in Sabon Lugbe to dismantle a perimeter fence of a property reportedly owned by a Major General. Acting under Minister Wike’s orders to enforce regulations, the officials intended to address unauthorised construction in the area.
Upon their arrival, the situation took a dramatic turn when soldiers in a vehicle with concealed licence plates arrived and blocked the property’s exit. According to witnesses, the soldiers issued alarming threats, including warnings that lives could be lost that day.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that violence broke out when one soldier, identified as Private Jamilu, approached the operator of a bulldozer involved in the demolition.
Brandishing his rifle, Private Jamilu reportedly ordered the operator to disembark, threatening to shoot him.
The bulldozer operator complied, but the soldiers allegedly assaulted him, grabbing him by the neck and tearing his shirt. In an apparent attempt to disable the equipment, Private Jamilu fired at the bulldozer’s tyres, rendering it immobile.
Reports indicate that the Major General, upon learning of the situation, dispatched additional soldiers to the scene for reinforcement.
Witnesses claim that the reinforcements detained several officials, including Sector Sodangi and the site officer.
The officials were reportedly subjected to physical abuse and taken to the Major General’s residence, where they were held for hours.
Vehicles belonging to the enforcement team were either commandeered to the General’s residence or had their tyres flattened by gunfire.
The escalating tension prompted the intervention of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Trademore, who arrived at the scene.
However, sources allege that the Major General refused to acknowledge the DPO’s presence or address her concerns, forcing her to leave temporarily.
