Soldiers, allegedly acting on the orders of an army general, reportedly attacked and chased away development control officials who were in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, yesterday, to demolish illegal structures in the area.
The incident took place as the officials were in the process of removing a fence on Plot 416, a property believed to belong to the Major General.
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According to an official who recounted the ordeal, the situation escalated when the general became aware of the operation.
“During the operation, there was an incident that happened at Plot 416 Sabon, Lugbe that belongs to the Major General. When the removal was going on, the Major General got information of the removal. He sent two soldiers to his house to ascertain the situation,” the official explained.
Upon arrival, the soldiers, driving a vehicle with a covered number plate, blocked the exit route to prevent the enforcement team from leaving. One of the soldiers, identified as Private Jamilu, allegedly threatened that “somebody must die today.”
The situation escalated when Private Jamilu approached the caterpillar operator, cocked his rifle, and ordered him to exit the vehicle or face immediate harm. The operator complied but was then physically assaulted by the soldiers.
“He politely came down but was grabbed by the two soldiers, who squeezed his neck with his clothes, beating him mercilessly and tearing his shirt,” the official added.
Private Jamilu then fired at the four tyres of the caterpillar, rendering them flat, and called for reinforcements. The Major General responded by sending more soldiers to the scene. The soldiers allegedly took the caterpillar operator, along with a site officer, and six enforcement officials to the general’s residence, where they were reportedly beaten and held hostage for hours.
Meanwhile, three Hilux vehicles were brought to the Major General’s house, and the remaining vehicles, which were unable to be seized, had their tyres shot out.
The DPO of Trademore later arrived at the scene but was reportedly ignored by the Major General. The officer left, promising to return later.
