Tension arose in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, on Wednesday when soldiers reportedly attacked Federal Capital Territory (FCT) development control officials during a demolition exercise.

The officials, acting on the orders of the FCT Administration, were in the area to remove illegal structures, including a fence on Plot 416 allegedly owned by a Major General.

The incident comes amid heightened controversy over demolitions in Abuja, spearheaded by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The minister has defended the demolitions as necessary to restore order and reclaim illegally acquired lands. 

However, the demolition exercises have drawn criticism and have led the Senate to call for an investigation. Lawmakers have also urged a halt to demolitions until the investigation is concluded.

However, the demolition of structures reportedly continued till Wednesday.

According to an official in the FCTA department, trouble began when the Major General received information about the demolition of his property.

He reportedly dispatched two soldiers to the scene to assess the situation. Upon arrival, the soldiers allegedly blocked the exit with a vehicle bearing a covered license plate, preventing the enforcement team from leaving. 

“Private Jamilu (surname unknown) went straight to the caterpillar operator, cocked his rifle and pointed straight to him to come down or risk being shot immediately.

“He politely came down but was grabbed by the two soldiers who squeezed his neck with his clothes, beat him mercilessly and tore his shirt.

The situation escalated when Private Jamilu reportedly fired at the caterpillar’s tyres, rendering the vehicle immobile. He then called the Major General, who arrived with additional soldiers for reinforcement. 

The reinforcements allegedly intensified the attack. Six enforcement officials, including the site officer, were reportedly assaulted and taken hostage for hours.

Additionally, three Hilux vehicles belonging to the officials were confiscated and taken to the Major General’s residence, while other vehicles had their tyres shot flat.

The official added, “Private Jamilu pulled his rifle and fired the four tyres of the caterpillar flat. He then called the Major General to come along with more soldiers for re-enforcement, and he came with them in numbers.

“He ordered his men to take Sector Sodangi and his site officer to his house, beat them even right from outside alongside six enforcement officials who where also taken hostage for hours.

“Three Hilux vehicles were taken to the Major General’s house while the remaining vehicles that they could not lay hands on had their tyres flattened with gunshots.

“On receiving the information, the DPO Trademore came to the scene but the Major General refused to take compliments nor listen to her. She left and said she would come back.”