Tensions escalated in Abuja’s Karsana community on Monday as two local residents sustained gunshot injuries during a protest over the demolition of homes by an unidentified developer.
The victims, Sunday Danjuma and Jacob Audu, were reportedly shot by police officers deployed to manage the unrest in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
According to the Karsana community chairman, Zakari Baba, the violence erupted around 10:00 a.m. when police barred residents from re-entering the village to retrieve belongings from their demolished homes.
“In an attempt to gain access to their properties, some of the affected natives forced their way past the main gate, prompting the police to open fire,” Baba said. “The two who were shot are receiving treatment at Gwagwa Health Centre.”
The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Hon. Musa Dikko, also confirmed the shooting in a phone interview, saying that he had personally visited the scene in response to a distress call.
“We’ve managed to calm the situation temporarily, and have summoned the developer to our office for questioning about the directive behind the demolition,” Dikko stated.
Efforts to obtain comment from the FCT Police Command were unsuccessful, as spokesperson SP Adeh Josephine did not respond to calls or messages.
The demolition, which reportedly also affected the palace of the village chief, Yahaya Barde, has drawn criticism from local authorities. The AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, condemned the action over the weekend and hinted at possible legal action against those responsible.
The situation remains volatile as residents continue to demand justice, both for the demolitions and the police response.
