Nigerian Army, Kaduna Residents in Dispute Over Land and Demolitions
A long-standing land and property dispute between the Nigerian Army and residents of several communities in Kaduna State's Igabi local government area has escalated with recent demolitions and arrests. The conflict, which dates back to 2020, has created significant tension between the military and civilians.
The Residents' Perspective
Residents from communities including Ungwan Mallam Auta, Ungwan Yohanna, and Ungwan Aboki have accused military personnel from the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps Centre in Kaduna of forcibly demolishing their homes. According to residents and their lawyer, Kimi Appah, these demolitions were carried out at night, allegedly in defiance of a Kaduna State High Court order that prohibits the army from interfering with the properties.
The residents claim the dispute began when the army constructed a perimeter fence around the Jaji Military Cantonment, encroaching upon their farmlands and ancestral homes. They allege the military is attempting to seize their land without due process or compensation. Furthermore, residents report that community members were arrested during the demolition exercise.
The Army's Official Statement
In response, military authorities at the Jaji Military Cantonment have vehemently denied the allegations. Captain Olusegun Abidoye, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed the claims as "false" and a "smear campaign" against the military.
The army's position is that the disputed land is currently subject to litigation, and they have been complying with the court order to maintain the status quo. Captain Abidoye accused the residents (the plaintiffs in the case) of violating the court order by erecting new buildings and allowing a construction company to excavate laterite from the land. The military filed an interlocutory injunction to halt further excavation until the legal case is resolved.
The army also justified its actions by stating that some settlements overlap with designated military training zones, posing a safety risk. Additionally, they have linked the residents' refusal to vacate the land to illegal and criminal activities, claiming they recently dismantled a drug cartel and arrested suspects in the area. Abidoye explained that some businesses were relocated to a central market to enhance surveillance and security.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
