- Amnesty International condemns police action against displaced Abuja residents
- FCT Senator labels the shootings ‘state-sponsored trauma’
- Victims suffer gunshot wounds after demolition of Ruga community
A peaceful protest by homeless residents in Karsana, Abuja, ended in chaos after police officers reportedly opened fire on unarmed citizens attempting to retrieve their belongings from demolished homes.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident occurred on November 6 during a forced eviction carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Special Task Team, “Operation Sweep,” targeting the Ruga community.
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The demolition, justified by authorities as part of efforts to “clean the city of nuisance and criminality,” displaced hundreds. In the aftermath, those who returned to gather their possessions were met with bullets instead of assistance.
Amnesty International, reacting strongly, described the response as a violent crackdown on the poor and called for an end to what it termed systematic persecution of vulnerable citizens.
“The current FCT administration must end its violent attacks on people living in poverty,” the organisation said in a statement on Thursday.
They decried the lack of compensation, resettlement, or notice, saying the approach punishes the poor for the government’s planning failures.
Senator Ireti Kingibe of the FCT also slammed the police’s action, calling it “state-sponsored trauma” and demanding justice for the victims.
“That bullets were fired at civilians, people merely trying to salvage their lives and dignity, is both unacceptable and indefensible,” she said.
She emphasised that forced development without compassion was inhumane and urged the government to rethink its urban policies.
Senator Kingibe vowed not to remain silent while residents of the capital are victimised, adding, “Abuja must not become a place where the poor live in fear of the very government meant to serve them.”
Community leader Zakari Baba confirmed that two residents were hit by bullets and were receiving treatment at Gwagwa Health Centre.
The victims, identified as Sunday Danjuma and Jacob Audu, were shot while trying to recover personal belongings after their homes were razed.
Residents have demanded justice and support, insisting that demolitions without alternatives are acts of cruelty.
The FCT administration has yet to officially respond to the public outrage and demands for accountability.
This marks the latest in a string of forceful evictions across the capital, which critics say unfairly target the urban poor.
Human rights groups are now calling for a full investigation, punishment for officers involved, and reparations for victims.
As pressure mounts, all eyes remain on the FCT authorities for a humane and lawful resolution to the growing crisis.
