Gunshots Erupt in Abuja as Soldiers Clash with Wike’s Team Over General’s Property Demolition

Pandemonium broke out in Abuja on Wednesday, December 18, when soldiers allegedly acting on the orders of a senior army officer attacked officials of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Development Control.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the officials were in the Sabon Lugbe area to demolish illegal structures, following directives from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

According to reports, the enforcement team targeted the fence of a property located at Plot 416, said to belong to a Major General. However, upon their arrival, soldiers in a vehicle with obscured license plates blocked the property’s exit, trapping the officials and issuing threats, including warnings that someone might lose their life.

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Gunshots were reportedly fired as the soldiers attempted to intimidate the officials. An eyewitness recounted the chaotic scene, stating, “During the operation at Plot 416, the Major General, upon receiving information about the demolition, dispatched two soldiers to assess the situation. One of them, identified as Private Jamilu, confronted the caterpillar operator, cocked his rifle, and threatened to shoot unless the operator stopped working.”

The operator reportedly complied but was immediately assaulted by the soldiers, who beat him severely and tore his shirt. Private Jamilu then shot out all four tires of the caterpillar before calling for reinforcements. Shortly after, the Major General arrived with additional soldiers, escalating the situation.

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The Major General allegedly ordered his men to detain several officials, including the sector head and site officer, and take them to his residence. The officials were reportedly beaten and held hostage for hours. Three enforcement vehicles were seized and taken to the Major General’s house, while the remaining vehicles had their tires flattened by gunfire.

Efforts by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Trademore Estate to intervene were reportedly rebuffed by the Major General. According to a source, “The DPO arrived at the scene, but the Major General refused to acknowledge her or hear her out, forcing her to leave with a promise to return.”

The incident highlights the tense and sometimes dangerous confrontations faced by officials attempting to enforce development regulations in the Federal Capital Territory.

Here’s the video of the week: