A violent clash between armed soldiers and development control officials erupted in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, on December 18, 2024, as the officials attempted to demolish illegal structures in the area.
The soldiers, reportedly acting on the orders of a Major General whose name has been withheld, stormed the scene where the officials were carrying out their duties. The incident occurred at Plot 416, a property allegedly belonging to the Major General, where the removal of a fence was taking place.
According to one of the development control officials present at the scene, the soldiers arrived with a clear intent to stop the operation. “During the operation, there was an incident at Plot 416 in Sabon Lugbe, which belongs to the Major General,” the official said.
The soldiers quickly blocked the exit, trapping the development control team at the site. “The soldiers arrived in a vehicle with covered number plates, blocking the way out and threatening that someone would die today if we didn’t leave immediately,” the official added.
The confrontation escalated when one soldier, identified only as Private Jamilu, approached the heavy machinery used for the demolition. “Private Jamilu went straight to the caterpillar operator, pulled out his rifle, and pointed it at him, demanding that he get down or risk being shot,” the official recalled.
Despite the threat, the operator complied, only to be violently grabbed by the soldiers. “They squeezed his neck with his clothes, beating him mercilessly and tearing his shirt,” the official said. In an act of aggression, Private Jamilu fired at the caterpillar’s tyres, causing them to deflate.
The situation worsened when the Major General, having been informed of the developments, sent additional soldiers to the scene. They arrived and took control of the situation, demanding that the caterpillar operator and the site officer be detained.
“The Major General ordered his men to take both the operator and the site officer to his house, beating them along with six enforcement officials who were also captured,” the official continued. The soldiers then proceeded to seize three Hilux vehicles from the development control team, while other vehicles had their tyres shot out, rendering them immobile.
Despite the growing tension, the situation took another twist when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the Trademore area arrived. However, the Major General refused to engage with her. “The DPO came to the scene, but the Major General would not listen to her or accept any greetings,” the official said. After a brief exchange, the DPO left, stating that she would return.
The violent actions by the soldiers have sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the abuse of power by military personnel in civilian matters. “This is an alarming display of military overreach. The soldiers have no business interfering with civil operations like this,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.
Authorities are yet to comment on the incident, but there are calls for an investigation into the conduct of the soldiers involved. Local officials have condemned the actions, citing the need for proper regulation of demolitions in the city, especially when linked to powerful individuals.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions over land use and zoning regulations in Abuja, where illegal structures have been a contentious issue. The development control department regularly carries out demolitions to remove illegal buildings, but such operations have occasionally led to confrontations.
The use of military force in this case raises serious questions about the military’s role in civilian matters and the potential for further escalation in similar situations. “This situation cannot be allowed to stand,” said one concerned activist. “The rule of law must prevail, no matter who is involved.”
