Victims of Plateau demolition protest in Abuja

Residents of the Tudun Wada community in Shendam town of Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State have staged peaceful protests at the National Assembly, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja. The protesters accused the Plateau State Police Command of allegedly providing cover for individuals […]

Residents of the Tudun Wada community in Shendam town of Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State have staged peaceful protests at the National Assembly, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja.

The protesters accused the Plateau State Police Command of allegedly providing cover for individuals they described as hoodlums who demolished their houses in the community.

During the protests, the residents said the demolition began around 5am on Wednesday, when armed police officers reportedly stormed the community, giving protection to individuals they described as hoodlums.

They alleged that despite possessing valid documents for their land and living there for years, the Fuanter family—in alleged collusion with the police—carried out the demolition, even though the matter is still pending before the Court of Appeal.

Isa Muhammad, a victim, said, “My parents are Gmai by tribe. I bought the land and built my house about 18 years ago. In 2022, the former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Festus Fuanter, took us to court.

“We appealed the case, and it’s still before the Court of Appeal. Unfortunately, before judgment was delivered, the former commissioner connived with the police to destroy our houses without any court order or notice.”

Dalladi Abdullahi, another victim, said, “We are peaceful citizens of this country, and that’s why we came here to seek justice. We were asleep when hoodlums, supported by the police, invaded our community, chased us out, and destroyed our homes. Many of the houses are worth over N20 million. We are calling on the Federal Government to investigate the incident.

When contacted, former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Festus Fuanter, who was accused of colluding with the police, denied involvement, saying he was not among those sued in court over the disputed land.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, said the command was not aware of the demolition but would investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the affected residents are appealing for justice, saying they have nowhere else to call home.