1 killed in Abuja community as natives clash with police over land dispute

A violent confrontation between residents of Kuchibiyi community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and police officers has left one person dead and two others injured.

According to community member Samuel Dangana, the unrest erupted on Saturday when suspected land grabbers, accompanied by police operatives from Byazhin Division, entered the community in an attempt to take possession of a disputed parcel of land.

“The land grabbers came in company of the some policemen trying to mark out some portions of land, in which the natives now blocked the road to prevent them. And the next thing, we started hearing shots of gun and teargas. One of the natives died from bullet wound while two others were injured,” he said.

Dangana added that the injured victims are receiving treatment at a hospital in Bwari.

Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Byazhin/Kuchibiyi Ward, Dogara Ahmed, said one person died while two others sustained injuries. “Yes, I have just been informed that one person died while two others were injured but I just arrived the community right now to get details about the incident. I will get back to you later,” he told our correspondent by phone.

FCT police spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine, said some suspects had been arrested following a “civil unrest” in the area, adding that the disturbance was linked to a land dispute.

She explained that Divisional Police Officers from Byazhin and Kubwa mobilized to the scene to restore order. While she did not confirm the reported death, she stated that investigations were underway.

Adeh noted that FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, condemned the attack on police personnel, warning that assaults on officers during official duties would not be tolerated.

(DAILY TRUST)