Tension in Bwari as Police Allegedly Kill Imam’s Son Over Land Dispute
Fear and anger have gripped Kuchibuyi community in Bwari Area Council, FCT, after police officers allegedly shot and killed Attahiru Abubakar, son of Chief Imam Abubakar Yaqub, during a heated land dispute on Saturday.
Attahiru died on the spot from a gunshot wound. His elder brother, Abass, was also shot and is currently hospitalised. Their father, the Chief Imam, was reportedly injured as well.
FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed officers were deployed to address what she called “civil unrest” stemming from a land disagreement. She insisted the violence wasn’t triggered by the police, claiming it was a communal issue, and noted that several arrests had been made.
Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale condemned attacks on officers during the operation and warned against future violence targeting law enforcement.
But locals tell a different story.
Sanusi Abubakar, the deceased’s brother, accused police of backing a private estate developer trying to forcibly take over their land. He claimed the developer first arrived with soldiers and vigilantes, and later returned with police who opened fire on residents.
An eyewitness described the scene as “indiscriminate shooting,” alleging a police cover-up. Photos from the incident show Attahiru with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Asked why her official report omitted the fatal shooting, Adeh declined further comment.
The incident has intensified public outcry over police brutality and renewed calls for justice and accountability.
