Abuja, Nigeria – April 2, 2025
Residents of Tungamaje, a community on the outskirts of Abuja, have been thrown into distress after a midnight demolition operation carried out by the Nigerian Army. The raid, which took place under the cover of darkness, led to the destruction of several homes, displacing numerous families without prior warning.
Eyewitnesses reported that armed soldiers arrived in the area late at night, forcefully evicting occupants before bulldozers moved in to tear down structures. Many residents, including women and children, were left stranded, with their belongings buried under the rubble.
Residents Decry Sudden Evictions
According to affected individuals, no prior notice was given before the demolitions began, leaving them with no time to salvage their property. One resident, Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim, lamented the sudden destruction of his home, saying, “We were sleeping when they stormed in. They told us to leave immediately, and within minutes, our houses were gone. Now, we have nowhere to go.”
Several families have since been forced to seek shelter with relatives, while others remain stranded in the open, unsure of their next steps.
Community Leaders, Activists Condemn the Action
Local community leaders and human rights activists have strongly condemned the demolition, describing it as an act of injustice. They have called on the government to clarify the legal basis for the operation and provide immediate relief for the displaced families.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing such actions in Abuja. Demolitions should follow due process, and affected people must be given alternatives. Displacing families in the middle of the night without any explanation is unacceptable,” said Barrister Emmanuel Okeke, a legal advocate for the community.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued an official statement explaining the reason for the demolition. However, unconfirmed reports suggest that the operation may be linked to alleged land disputes or security concerns.
In recent years, Abuja has witnessed several forced evictions and demolitions, often justified by government agencies as part of urban planning and security measures. However, critics argue that these actions disproportionately affect low-income communities, worsening the housing crisis in the nation’s capital.
Human rights organizations and concerned citizens are now calling on the federal government to intervene, urging authorities to adopt a more humane approach to urban development and security enforcement. Many are also demanding compensation and immediate relief efforts for the displaced families.
For now, the people of Tungamaje are left to pick up the pieces, uncertain about their future and hoping for a response from the authorities.
