FCT indigenes protest at n’assembly over ‘land grabbing’ by army

Members of the coalition of FCT indigenous association have besieged the national assembly to protest over alleged grabbing of their lands by the army.

The protesters displayed placards which read “Nigerian Army stop killing FCT natives”, “We stand for our right” among others.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Abdulkari Babaya, one of the leaders of the group, wondered why the army would chase them from a land that they have been occupying for more than 20 years.

Babaya also alleged that in the process of taking their lands, their wives and mothers have been assaulted.

“Last week, we were here about what Nigerian army has been doing to our people. They are using force, chasing us from our farms, lands and houses, we have no where to go. They are beating our mothers and wives. We have been writing yet the government did not take any action,” he said.

“The issue is they want to collect our land just like that from Zuba, Iddo, Sabo, the airport junction. They told our people in those places to quit and leave and we are not ready to leave because that is where our forefathers kept for us.

“We have been there for over 20 years, so why will Nigerian army come from nowhere and chase us. They are using their guns to kill us, scatter our crops. Anytime we start planting, they come and damage it.”

He pleaded with the national assembly to intervene in the situation.

“The casualties are more than 30. One of the recent is Hamza Usman, killed by the express road when Nigerian army were opening fire on the road during our protest. Nigeria Police are trying. The CP of FCT invited leaders of Nigerian army to come,” Babaya said.

“We want the senate to hear our cry and come out to show concern. Our FCT senator laid the complaint on the table, yet nothing has been done. That is no action. The committee of defence has not seen us. We are still waiting.

“Are we not part of this country? Why are they treating us different from others? Just a minute something happened in Katsina, they rushed and sent a delegate to stop the menace.”

Sagir Musa, army spokesman, is yet to respond to the allegations.

Dino Melaye, chairman FCT senate committee, also told the protesters that the upper legislative chamber is looking into the issue.