Residents cry for help as military demolishes homes in Kaduna despite legal restraint

DDM News

Despite a valid court injunction, the Nigerian Army has resumed its controversial demolition exercise in Kaduna State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the military moved into Anguwan Loyal in Igabi Local Government Area on Tuesday, demolishing homes and structures, causing panic and despair among helpless residents.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the operation was led by Major General Usman Abdulmumin Yusuf, Commandant of the Jaji Military Cantonment.

Residents said the soldiers arrived between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., tearing down buildings despite clear judicial orders forbidding such actions.

In a distressing video seen by reporters, a woman could be heard wailing in the background, crying “wayo Allah na,” while others attempted to console her due to her health condition.

A community source said, “Today at about 10am to 12pm, the Nigerian Army under the command of AU Yusuf came to Anguwan Loyal and started demolishing again as usual. No injury, no arrest.”

However, community members are outraged by what they call a brazen disregard for rule of law and due process.

They insist the demolition is illegal and a gross violation of their fundamental human rights.

They have called on the Nigerian government, judiciary, and international human rights groups to intervene before the situation worsens.

The army’s recent actions come just days after reports surfaced about similar events in the neighbouring Anguwan Al Hassan community.

According to accounts, soldiers stormed the area between 7:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. in a Gestapo-style operation.

Residents told SaharaReporters that troops harassed women and children before pulling down homes and properties.

“They began harassing women and children, drove them out of their homes, and continued demolishing buildings, despite the existing court order,” one resident said.

Sources allege that over 50 people were arrested and detained in a military guardroom since Saturday, adding to tensions in the community.

Some residents accused the Nigerian Army of manipulating the media to downplay or deny the demolitions.

According to one source, the military brought in selected journalists to sanitize its public image while actively engaging in evictions and destruction.

“They invited some journalists the day before yesterday to report that nothing was going on,” the source said.

“But we have evidence. There are videos showing elderly people being dragged from their homes. Some of them are now receiving medical treatment.”

Anger continues to rise among affected families, many of whom are elderly, sick, or caring for young children.

The demolitions have left hundreds displaced, with no access to shelter, food, or basic medical care.

Back on July 26, 2025, SaharaReporters reported a similar military operation in Anguwa Mallam Auta, another community in Igabi.

That attack was also allegedly carried out under the command of Major General Usman Abdulmumin Yusuf.

Eyewitnesses said more than 80 armed soldiers invaded the community around 7:00 p.m. on a Friday night.

They demolished several structures including homes, shops, a mosque, and even a school.

The three-hour operation left families sleeping outside, exposed to the cold, with nowhere to go.

A video from that event showed two frail octogenarians being fed by sympathizers as they sat in shock and confusion.

“We are poor people who have done nothing wrong,” said one victim.

“They demolished everything — our homes, our shops, our food. It’s like we are no longer Nigerians.”

Some community leaders, speaking anonymously, revealed they had reached out to local politicians and state security authorities.

Letters were sent to the Kaduna State Government, the Commissioner of Police, and elected senators.

However, no concrete action has been taken to stop the demolition or protect the affected people.

One leader said he was physically assaulted when he approached soldiers to demand an explanation.

“Even when you speak politely, they beat you. We are living in fear.”

Residents believe the army is determined to forcefully take over their ancestral lands, with no regard for human dignity or constitutional rights.

The silence of political leaders and state institutions continues to fuel suspicion and frustration.

Human rights activists are calling for immediate investigations, the enforcement of the court order, and compensation for affected victims.

They also demand that the Nigerian Army be held accountable for violations of citizens’ rights and abuse of power.

As the demolitions continue, public outrage is spreading online, with many questioning the role of the military in a civilian space.

Meanwhile, affected families in Kaduna continue to sleep in the open, hoping that justice will eventually be served.

The Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement responding to these renewed allegations.

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