Abuja demolitions: Soldiers allegedly attack officials over destruction of Army general’s property
Development control officials conducting a demolition operation in Sabon Lagbe, Abuja, were reportedly attacked on Wednesday by soldiers acting under the orders of a Major General.
The officials were on site to remove the fence of a building located on Plot 416, allegedly owned by the army officer.
Recounting the incident, an official from the department stated, “While the demolition was underway, the Major General received information about the operation and dispatched two soldiers to assess the situation.”
Upon arrival, the soldiers, using a vehicle with covered license plates, blocked the premises to prevent the officials from leaving.
They reportedly issued threats, saying, “Somebody must die today.”
One soldier, identified as Private Jamila, allegedly pointed his rifle at the Caterpillar operator, forcing him to step out of the vehicle.
The operator complied but was then assaulted, with his shirt torn during the altercation.
Jamila reportedly fired at and flattened the caterpillar’s four tyres.
The situation escalated when the Major General arrived with additional soldiers.
The team allegedly detained several enforcement officials, including Sector Sodangi and the site officer, assaulting them both at the scene and later at the General’s residence.
The soldiers also targeted the officials’ vehicles, firing at the tyres of those left on site and taking three Hilux tracks to the General’s residence.
Although the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Trademore arrived at the scene, the Major General reportedly refused to engage with her, leading her to leave with a promise to return.
The incident highlights growing tensions between authorities and security personnel over enforcement actions on buildings by Minister of the FCT, Wike.
(AFRIPOST)
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