Amnesty International has condemned the demolition of homes in the Durumi 3 community of Abuja, describing the exercise as a forced eviction that violated the rights of residents and left hundreds of families homeless.
The human rights organization accused authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of carrying out the demolition without adequate regard for the welfare, safety and rights of those affected.
In a statement issued on Monday, Amnesty International alleged that bulldozers, accompanied by heavily armed police officers, entered the Durumi 3 community early on Sunday morning and began demolishing houses while some residents were still inside their homes.
According to the organization, the operation started at about 7:00 a.m. on May 31, 2026, and resulted in the destruction of homes, displacement of families and loss of sources of livelihood for many residents.
The group described the exercise as arbitrary and violent, saying it reflected what it called a disregard for due process by the authorities responsible for the operation.
Amnesty International claimed that many residents were caught unaware by the demolition and had little or no opportunity to remove their belongings before their homes were destroyed.
The organisation said the incident has left hundreds of people without shelter and exposed them to hardship and uncertainty.
“Many homes were bulldozed while entire families were still inside,” Amnesty International said in its statement.
According to the rights group, the demolition has not only deprived residents of housing but has also affected businesses and other means through which families earn a living.
Many residents in communities facing demolition exercises often operate small shops, workshops and informal businesses from their homes. The destruction of such properties can therefore affect both housing and income, making recovery difficult for affected families.
Amnesty International accused authorities of placing the interests of private developers above the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“The forced eviction of Durumi 3 community again shows the Nigerian government’s utter disregard for the well-being of the people and dedication to the greed of rapacious private developers,” the organisation stated.
The rights group argued that forced evictions are contrary to internationally recognised human rights standards and can have severe consequences for affected communities.
It noted that access to adequate housing is recognised as a fundamental human right under several international agreements and conventions.
According to Amnesty International, the demolition could expose residents to additional problems, including lack of access to food, clean water, healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
The organisation also warned that forced evictions often increase the vulnerability of women, children, elderly persons and people living with disabilities, who may find it more difficult to cope with sudden displacement.
The group stressed that the loss of housing can have long-term social and economic consequences, especially for low-income families who may not have alternative accommodation.
Amnesty International therefore called on the Federal Government to intervene and prevent further demolitions that could worsen the situation.
The organisation urged the government to direct FCT authorities to halt any additional eviction exercises and ensure that the rights of residents are protected.
“The federal government must direct FCT authorities to refrain from enforcing these evictions and take action to prevent them,” the statement said.
The rights organisation also reminded the government that Nigeria is a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, an international treaty that recognises the right of every individual to adequate housing and protection from unlawful eviction.
Concerns over demolitions and forced evictions are not new in the Federal Capital Territory.
Over the years, several communities in Abuja have faced demolition exercises linked to urban development projects, land disputes and efforts by authorities to enforce the city’s master plan.
While government officials have often defended such actions as necessary for development, city planning and environmental management, critics have repeatedly raised concerns about the humanitarian impact on residents.
Civil society organisations and human rights groups have consistently called for a balance between urban development and the protection of citizens’ rights.
They argue that development should not come at the cost of displacing vulnerable families without adequate safeguards.
The Durumi 3 demolition is the latest incident to reignite debate over housing rights and the treatment of communities affected by redevelopment projects in the nation’s capital.
The development has also drawn attention to the broader challenge of housing shortages in Nigeria’s major cities, where many families already struggle to secure affordable accommodation.
For residents who have lost their homes, the immediate concern remains finding shelter and rebuilding their lives.
As reactions continue to trail the demolition, attention is likely to focus on whether authorities will respond to the allegations raised by Amnesty International and what steps will be taken to assist affected families.
The rights group concluded its statement by calling for equal treatment of all citizens and insisting that every Nigerian deserves access to safe and secure housing.
“Every person, regardless of status, in society must have a place. Nigeria belongs to all and not just to a select few,” Amnesty International stated.
As of the time of filing this report, FCT authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the organisation. However, the controversy surrounding the demolition is expected to intensify calls for greater accountability, transparency and respect for the rights of residents affected by urban development policies across the country.