Tensions Escalate: Gunfire Breaks Out As Soldiers Confront Wike’s Supporters In Abuja Building Standoff Full Details

Chaos erupted in Abuja on December 18, 2024, after soldiers allegedly following orders from an army general clashed with development control officials attempting to demolish illegal structures in the Sabon Lugbe area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The officials were acting under the direction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as part of ongoing efforts to address illegal constructions in the city.

The incident unfolded at Plot 416, a property reportedly owned by a Major General, where development control officials targeted a fence as part of the demolition operation.

Upon arrival, soldiers in a vehicle with obscured license plates blocked the exit from the property, preventing the officials from leaving the premises. Tensions escalated quickly as the soldiers began issuing threats, warning that “someone would die that day.”

Gunfire was reportedly heard as the soldiers tried to intimidate the development control team. According to an insider account, when the demolition team began their work, the Major General became aware of the operation and immediately sent two soldiers to the site to investigate the situation.

One of the soldiers, identified as Private Jamilu, approached the caterpillar operator and pointed his rifle at him, demanding that he dismount immediately or face being shot. The operator complied, but the soldiers proceeded to physically assault him, choking him with his own shirt and beating him severely.

Private Jamilu then opened fire, shooting out the four tyres of the caterpillar before calling in reinforcements. The Major General arrived with additional soldiers and ordered the arrest of the site officer and several enforcement officials.

These individuals were taken to the Major General’s residence, where they were reportedly beaten for several hours. In addition to the physical assault, three Hilux vehicles were seized and taken to the Major General’s house, while other vehicles had their tyres shot out.

Local authorities were notified, and the DPO of Trademore district responded by visiting the scene. However, when she attempted to engage with the Major General, he refused to acknowledge her presence, leading to her departure. She indicated that she would return later to address the situation.