1 feared dead, 4 others injured as Abuja natives, soldiers engage over land dispute

ONE person has been confirmed dead while four others were injured as a result of a clash between Abuja indigenes and soldiers over land tussle at Tungan-Maje, an outskirt town of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The situation, however, led to the blockage of ever busy Zuba-Gwagwalada road, as motorists plying the route were held in gridlock for over five hours before the intervention of some stakeholders.

A community leader, Malam Tanko Sani, who confirmed this to newsmen, said the crisis started when soldiers forcefully moved into the land and started work without the consent of the indigenes.

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He lamented that a student and indigene, Hamza Usman was killed at the spot by the soldiers for protesting against the action.

According to him, four other persons were injured and are presently receiving treatment in a hospital within the area.

Malam Sani said the soldiers have never engaged the community members for a discussion since the disagreement between them and natives started about three years ago.

Reacting in his palace, the Agora of Zuba, Chief Mohammed Bello called for compensation for the natives, even as he urged the natives too to remain calm.

However, attempt to speak with the military personnel on the ground failed as at the time of filing this report, also there was no official statement from the officials of the FCT administration and FCT police command.