Protest Turns Bloody as Police Shoot Two Natives During Abuja Demolition Dispute

DDM News

Two natives of the Karsana community in Abuja have reportedly sustained gunshot wounds after police officers opened fire on a group of protesters resisting the demolition of their homes.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the victims, identified as Sunday Danjuma and Jacob Audu, were among scores of displaced residents who had taken to the streets in protest over the ongoing demolition exercise in the Karsana area, located within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to eyewitnesses and community leaders, the violent confrontation erupted around 10am when security operatives stationed at the main entrance to the community prevented residents from re-entering the area to retrieve their remaining personal belongings.

Mr. Zakari Baba, chairman of the Karsana community, confirmed that tensions escalated when several displaced residents attempted to force their way through the barricade set up by police officers.

In response, the police allegedly fired live ammunition into the crowd, striking the two individuals.

“As I speak, the two injured natives are currently receiving treatment at Gwagwa Health Centre,” Baba told reporters, expressing concern over what he described as excessive use of force against unarmed civilians.

The Federal Capital Territory has witnessed an increase in demolition exercises in recent months, as authorities target what they describe as illegal structures and encroachments on designated urban development areas.

The Karsana community, located on the outskirts of the city center, has been one of the most affected.

Many of the residents argue that they were not given adequate notice or compensation prior to the demolitions.

They claim that they acquired their land legally through local developers and that some had been living in the area for over a decade.

Reacting to the incident, Hon. Musa Dikko, the commissioner representing the FCT at the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), confirmed that police did in fact open fire on the demonstrators.

He revealed that he personally led a team to the area after receiving a distress call and took steps to reduce tensions on the ground.

“Upon arrival, we confirmed that two community members had been shot. We have since invited the developer to our office to explain who authorised this demolition exercise,” Dikko stated.

The commissioner further assured the public that the matter is being investigated and that efforts are ongoing to engage with both the developer and affected residents to find a peaceful resolution.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians calling for an independent investigation into the police’s handling of the protest.

Human rights groups and civil society organizations have also weighed in, demanding accountability and urging the FCT administration to adhere to due process in future demolitions.

Meanwhile, family members of the injured victims are calling for justice and the immediate suspension of all further demolition activities in the area until the legal status of the land is properly determined.

As the situation continues to develop, questions remain over the legality of the demolition, the conduct of the police, and the lack of clear communication between residents, developers, and the FCT authorities.

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