Police shoot Abuja natives protesting demolition

…. nothing of such happened – Police

Two natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) identified as Sunday Danjuma and Jacob Audu have been shot by policemen deployed to quell the protest over demolition of houses in Karsana community of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The Karsana community chairman, Zakari Baba, who confirmed the incident, said the police opened fire when the natives whose houses were demolished attempted to force their way into the community.

He said commotion started around 10:am when policemen stationed at the main gate of the community barred natives from entering into the village to evacuate their property.

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He said some of the natives attempted to force their way into the community through the gate, forcing the police to open fire.

“In fact, as I speak, two of the natives that sustained bullet wounds are currently receiving treatment at Gwagwa health center,” he said.

Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission (PCC) representing the FCT, Hon Musa Dikko, who also confirmed the incident said two natives of Karsana community sustained bullet injuries after the police tried to disperse the villagers.

He said he was able to visit the community to calm down the tension, disclosing that he had summoned the developer to the commission’s office to explain who gave the directive for the demolition.

“Actually, I led some of my officials to the community when I received a distress call that two natives of the Karsana community were shot. And as I speak, we have been able to douse tension while we have also invited the developer to come to our office so that he will explain on whose directive he carried out the demolition,” he said.

Tribune Online had reported on Saturday how the chairman of AMAC, Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, while addressing newsmen, threatened to sue the developer and fumed over the demolition, which also affected the palace of the village chief, Yahaya Barde, church and other buildings.

However, FCT Police Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said nothing of such happened.

She said: “Nothing of such, FCT Police Command did not shoot anyone today or any day please. But the victim should contact the police for details to aid the investigation.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE