Tension flared in Abuja as soldiers, reportedly acting under the orders of a high-ranking military officer, clashed with officials from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Development Control Department over the demolition of illegal structures in the Sabon Lugbe area.
The FCT officials were carrying out enforcement directives issued by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, targeting properties that were not in compliance with city planning regulations. One of the structures on their list was the fence of a property located on Plot 416, which is allegedly owned by a Major General.
According to witnesses, the demolition team arrived at the property on Wednesday, December 18, to begin the removal process. However, shortly after they began their operations, a military vehicle with concealed license plates arrived, blocking the property’s exit and creating a tense standoff.
The soldiers, allegedly under instructions from the property owner, issued threats to the officials, warning them that the situation could escalate fatally. Reports indicate that gunshots were fired in a bid to intimidate the officials and halt the demolition exercise.
“During this operation, there was an incident that happened at Plot 416 Sabon Lugbe that belongs to a Major General. When the removal was going on, the Major General got information of the removal. He sent two soldiers to his house to ascertain the situation,” a development official recounted.
The official continued, “Private Jamilu (surname unknown) went straight to the caterpillar operator, cocked his rifle, and pointed it directly at him, demanding he get down or face being shot. The operator complied but was immediately grabbed by the two soldiers, who physically assaulted him and tore his shirt.”
“Private Jamilu also shot the four tyres of the caterpillar flat to render it inoperable. He then called the Major General, who arrived shortly after with additional soldiers to reinforce their presence,” the official added.
The situation escalated further when the soldiers allegedly took several enforcement officials, including the site officer and Sector Sodangi, hostage. These individuals were reportedly beaten both outside and inside the Major General’s residence, while other vehicles belonging to the demolition team were vandalized, with their tyres shot out.
“Three Hilux vehicles were taken to the Major General’s house, while the remaining vehicles that they could not seize had their tyres flattened with gunshots. The scene was chaotic, and many officials were left stranded,” the source revealed.
In an attempt to resolve the standoff, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) from Trademore intervened. However, she was reportedly met with resistance from the Major General, who refused to engage with her, forcing her to leave the scene temporarily with the promise of returning later.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns over the enforcement of urban planning laws in Abuja, particularly when dealing with properties owned by influential individuals.
