By Sarah NEGEDU
Public officials have condemned the recent demolition of homes and reported police assault on indigenous residents of Karsana community in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, calling for investigation, compensation, and formal legislative intervention.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, saw police operatives reportedly use live bullets and tear gas to disperse protesting natives who were resisting the demolition of their ancestral homes by a private developer. Two residents were said to have sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and are currently receiving medical attention.
Musa Dikko, the Federal Commissioner representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, at the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, described the assault as unacceptable and deeply disturbing, especially as it occurred in the presence of officials from the commission.
“As a human being and as a federal commissioner, I find it deeply troubling that such force was used in my presence, where even our commission’s officers and the Oyo State Ombudsman were tear-gassed,” he said.
Dikko, who led a delegation of PCC officials to the scene, said the commission had been invited by the developer for a peace meeting aimed at resolving disputes with the community. He expressed shock that the meeting turned into a violent demolition exercise, without prior notice or a court order presented to residents.
He decried the frequent mistreatment of indigenous people by estate developers, and stressed the need for due process in resettlement and land allocation. He noted that under no circumstance should development override the rights of original inhabitants.
“No estate should come up in a community without the knowledge of the area council, the traditional ruler and the natives,” Dikko warned. “This community has been in existence before Abuja became the capital, and even if they must relocate, it must be done with dignity, fairness, and proper resettlement.”
He said the commission would launch a full investigation and document all complaints to ensure redress for the affected families, and advised the AMAC Chairman to escalate the matter to the FCT Administration.
On his part, AMAC Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, said the council would hold the developer accountable to provide either resettlement or adequate compensation for the displaced families. He added that efforts were already underway to identify available land within neighbouring communities for possible relocation.
“At least, if we can find unclaimed lands, we will negotiate with the local owners and construct new housing for the victims,” he said, adding that three staff members had been assigned to monitor the situation and submit an official report.
The Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, also urged the stakeholders to formally notify the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for government intervention.
Meanwhile, Chinedu Obika, the lawmaker representing AMAC and Bwari Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has asked community leaders to forward a petition to the House of Representatives for deliberation.
“I will fight for justice using every legal tool at our disposal,” Obika said during a sympathy visit to the community. “It is on this premise that I want to call on the leaders to forward me a petition to present to the House.”
Obika condemned both the demolition and the police assault, describing them as violations of the rights of the FCT’s original inhabitants.
“I stand with you today and always. Your dignity and justice remain non-negotiable,” he declared.
The lawmaker also made a cash donation to support the medical bills of the two injured residents.
