Tension As Soldiers Clash With Wike’s Allies FCTDA Building Demolition Army Generals Fence In Abuja

Pandemonium Erupts in Abuja as Soldiers Allegedly Attack Development Control Officials

Chaos broke out in the Sabon Lugbe area of Abuja on Wednesday, December 18, after soldiers reportedly acting on the orders of a senior military officer assaulted officials from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Development Control Department. The officials had been sent to enforce the removal of illegal structures in the area, following directives from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

The incident occurred at a property located on Plot 416 in Sabon Lugbe, which is allegedly owned by a Major General. The development control officials were attempting to dismantle a fence at the property when they were confronted by soldiers who arrived in a vehicle with obscured license plates. The soldiers obstructed the officials’ exit from the property, preventing them from leaving while threatening that “someone would die today.”

As tensions escalated, gunshots were reportedly fired, with the soldiers using force in an apparent attempt to intimidate the enforcement team
According to eyewitness accounts, the situation began when the development control officials targeted the fence of the property, which had been flagged for demolition. Upon hearing about the ongoing operation, the Major General reportedly dispatched two soldiers to the site to assess the situation.

One of the soldiers, identified only as Private Jamilu, approached the caterpillar operator, brandishing his rifle and threatening to shoot if the operator did not immediately comply. The operator, in fear, complied, only to be violently accosted by the soldiers. They reportedly grabbed him by the neck, beat him, and tore his shirt.

Private Jamilu then used his rifle to shoot out the four tires of the caterpillar, effectively halting the operation. He called the Major General, who reportedly arrived with reinforcements, including several additional soldiers. The Major General allegedly ordered his men to take both the site officer and Sector Sodangi, along with six enforcement officials, hostage.

Hostages Held and Vehicles Damaged
The soldiers are said to have detained the officials for several hours at the Major General’s residence, subjecting them to further mistreatment. In the meantime, three Hilux vehicles belonging to the development control team were seized and taken to the Major General’s property. Other vehicles, which the soldiers could not capture, had their tires shot out, further obstructing the enforcement team’s efforts.

When the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) from the Trademore police station arrived at the scene, she was reportedly unable to intervene, as the Major General refused to engage with her. The DPO, after attempting to defuse the situation, reportedly left, saying she would return later.
Fallout and Investigation

This violent confrontation has raised serious concerns over the power dynamics in the FCT and the apparent disregard for law enforcement by military personnel. The incident also highlights the tensions between civilian authorities and the military, especially in sensitive areas related to land and property ownership.

As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are under pressure to ensure that such incidents of abuse and violence do not recur, and to hold those responsible for the assault accountable. The FCT Development Control officials, meanwhile, have vowed to continue their efforts to remove illegal structures, despite the challenges and intimidation they faced during this operation.

This case is expected to stir further debate about the balance of power and the roles of both civilian and military authorities in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.Gunshots Fired as Soldiers Clash with Wike’s Allies During Building Demolition in Abuja