Violence Erupts Over Land Dispute in Abuja, Resulting in One Death and Two Injuries, as Residents Clash with Police [VIDEO]

 

A deadly clash unfolded on Saturday in Kuchibiyi, a village in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving one person dead and two others nursing bullet wounds. The violent encounter occurred between the local community members and police officers from Byazhin division, as tensions over a land dispute flared.

According to Samuel Dangana, a resident of the affected community, the trouble began when a group of alleged land grabbers, accompanied by armed police officers, arrived in Kuchibiyi. Their objective was reportedly to seize a piece of land that had long been the subject of contention within the community. As the security operatives attempted to mark the disputed land, residents quickly mobilized to prevent them from doing so.

The situation escalated when the villagers, armed with sticks and stones, confronted the police officers. Dangana claimed that in response, the police began firing both live ammunition and teargas, intensifying the already volatile situation. The altercation rapidly turned deadly as the police allegedly shot at the protesting residents. A single gunshot reportedly killed one person on the spot, while two others were injured and later taken to a nearby hospital in Bwari for treatment.

"Once we saw the police and land grabbers heading towards the land, we immediately rushed to the road to block their way," Dangana explained. "But before we knew it, the shots started ringing out. We heard gunfire and teargas, and the next thing we knew, one of our people was dead."

The local government representative for Byazhin/Kuchibiyi ward, Hon. Dogara J. Ahmed, confirmed the tragic incident, although he noted that the full details were still unclear at the time of his statement. He told reporters, "Yes, I have been informed that one person died and two others were injured, but I just arrived at the scene to gather more information. I will provide further updates shortly."

Despite the gravity of the situation, police spokesperson SP Adeh Josephine confirmed that arrests were made following the unrest in Kuchibiyi. She attributed the clash to a longstanding land dispute, which she said had escalated into violence when community members resisted the police and the alleged land grabbers.

"Some suspects were apprehended following the incident," Adeh said in a statement. "The Divisional Police Officers from both Byazhin and Kubwa divisions swiftly responded to the scene and managed to bring the situation under control."

Although Adeh refrained from commenting directly on the death or the injuries sustained by the community members, she emphasized that the police had taken swift action to restore order. The police spokesperson also reiterated that the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, condemned the actions of the community members who attacked the officers during the operation.

"The Commissioner of Police has expressed strong disapproval of the youths' actions, attacking police officers while responding to a distress situation," Adeh noted. "Such behavior will not be tolerated, and appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of assaulting law enforcement personnel in the line of duty."

As of the latest update, the injured individuals remain under medical care, while investigations continue to determine the full scope of the conflict. Local authorities have pledged to address the situation and ensure that justice is served.

Tensions have been rising in the Kuchibiyi community for some time, as disputes over land ownership and control continue to cause rifts between residents and external parties. The police intervention, which was initially meant to curb potential violence, only exacerbated the situation, leading to casualties and widespread anger among the community.

In the aftermath of the clash, many locals have expressed fear that the situation could spiral further if decisive action is not taken to address both the land issue and the conduct of the security forces involved. Residents of Kuchibiyi are calling for a transparent investigation into the use of force by the police and for greater dialogue between community leaders and law enforcement to prevent future confrontations.

The conflict serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of land disputes in many parts of Nigeria, where clashes between residents, land grabbers, and security forces are all too common. The incident in Kuchibiyi raises important questions about the role of police in managing civil unrest and the need for more sustainable solutions to the country's land conflicts.

While the situation in Kuchibiyi has been temporarily contained, the road to resolution remains unclear. With heightened tensions and public outcry, the coming days may reveal more about the long-term impact of this tragic event on both the community and the law enforcement agencies involved.