FCT Public Complaints Commissioner condemns assault on natives

Musa Dikko, the Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission (PCC) representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has condemned the assault on natives of Karsana community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). The natives were protesting the demolition of their ancestral homes by a developer in the area when they were assaulted. Abuja Metro had reported […]

Musa Dikko, the Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission (PCC) representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has condemned the assault on natives of Karsana community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The natives were protesting the demolition of their ancestral homes by a developer in the area when they were assaulted.

Abuja Metro had reported that two Karsana community natives sustained bullet injuries after police allegedly used live bullets and tear gas canisters to disperse them. The incident occurred on Saturday when residents were barred from accessing their homes to evacuate belongings.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting at the office of AMAC Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, on Monday, Dikko expressed concerns over the conduct of estate developers in the territory, particularly their tendency to mistreat indigenous community members residing on lands prior to allocation.

He strongly condemned the incident where two indigenous people were shot, and where his counterpart, the Oyo State Ombudsman, and other commission’s officers were tear-gassed during the violent confrontation over the demolition.

“As a human being and as a federal commissioner, I find it deeply troubling that such force was used in my presence, where even our commission’s officers and Oyo state Ombudsman were tear-gassed,” he said.

Dikko emphasized the need for due process, stating that resettlement and land allocation must follow established guidelines.

He stressed that no development should proceed without the consent of the area council chairman of the affected area.

He vowed to continue investigating the dispute and warned that anyone found trespassing or violating protocols at the contested site would be subject to arrest.

“We are committed to finding a just solution, but it must be within the framework of law and respect for all stakeholders involved,” he affirmed.

The PCC commissioner urged the AMAC chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, to formally engage the FCT Administration to assess existing plans for the relocation and welfare of the displaced Karsana community natives.

Also speaking, former FCT PCC Commissioner, Dalhatu Musa Ezekiel, stressed the need for a temporary solution for the displaced natives of the affected community. “Although the mistake has been made, we need to seek a humane way forward by providing a palliative measure for the displaced natives,” he said.

He suggested that the council chairman and the PCC chairman jointly approach the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to inform him about the long-term development and resettlement plans for the affected people.

On his part, AMAC Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, acknowledged the suggestion and informed stakeholders that the council would ensure the developer either provides resettlement or adequate compensation to the displaced families.

“And now that there is an agreement to do the needful for the displaced natives of Karsana community, we must ensure it is properly implemented,” he said.

Maikalangu stated that efforts were already underway to identify unoccupied land within neighbouring communities for relocation purposes.

“At least, if we can find unclaimed lands, we will negotiate with the local owners and construct new housing for the victims,” he added.

The chairman also promised to assign three council staff members to monitor the situation closely and submit an official report.

The Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, suggested that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, be formally notified.