Pandemonium in Abuja as soldiers Clashes with Wike

There was pandemonium in Abuja when soldiers allegedly acting on the directives of an army general assaulted development control officials in the Sabon Lugbe area. These officials were present to dismantle certain illegal structures under the instructions of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. What ensued was a chaotic confrontation that has raised questions about the misuse of military power and the sanctity of civilian authority.

According to eyewitness accounts, the soldiers arrived in a vehicle with obscured license plates, blocking the officials from exiting the property and issuing threats. The situation escalated when gunshots were reportedly fired by the soldiers to intimidate the development control team.

“During this operation, there was an incident at Plot 416 in Sabon Lugbe belonging to a Major General. As the removal was underway, the Major General was informed and dispatched two soldiers to his residence to assess the situation,” a source recounted.

The soldiers allegedly took an aggressive approach upon arrival. One of them, identified only as Private Jamilu, reportedly cocked his rifle and threatened the operator of a caterpillar machine, ordering him to disembark immediately or face being shot. The operator complied but was subsequently grabbed, beaten, and had his shirt torn. Private Jamilu then punctured all four tires of the caterpillar using his rifle before calling the Major General for reinforcements.

What followed was a dramatic escalation. The Major General arrived at the scene with additional soldiers, reportedly in significant numbers. Under his directive, members of the enforcement team, including Sector Sodangi and the site officer, were taken hostage along with six other officials. These individuals were allegedly assaulted even as they were forcibly taken to the Major General’s residence, where they were held for hours.

Eyewitnesses reported that three Hilux vehicles belonging to the enforcement team were confiscated and taken to the general’s house. Other vehicles that could not be seized had their tires shot flat. The situation created widespread panic and disrupted operations in the area.

The incident has drawn public condemnation and sparked discussions about the need to curtail the influence of military officials in civilian matters. Many have called on the Federal Government to investigate the actions of the soldiers and hold those responsible accountable.

This clash highlights the tensions between military authority and civilian governance in Nigeria. While soldiers are expected to protect citizens and uphold the law, incidents like this undermine trust in the military and embolden individuals to act with impunity. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has not yet issued an official statement, but the incident underscores the challenges faced by development control teams in enforcing urban planning laws amidst resistance from influential individuals.

As investigations into the matter continue, there is a growing demand for justice and a re-evaluation of the role of military personnel in civilian activities. Many believe that this incident could set a precedent for addressing similar cases and ensuring that no individual, regardless of rank or status, is above the law.