Residents of Tunga Maje, a community in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have been forced to abandon their homes following threats from Nigerian Army personnel over a protracted land ownership dispute.
The conflict between the Nigerian Army and the indigenous inhabitants of Tunga Maje dates back several years, rooted in competing claims over land ownership. The Army asserts that the land was allocated to them for military purposes, while the residents, many of whom have lived in the area for generations, maintain that it is their ancestral homeland. This dispute has led to heightened tensions and previous confrontations.
On Sunday evening, military personnel reportedly entered Tunga Maje, issuing an ultimatum to residents to vacate their properties within 24 hours or face lethal consequences. This abrupt directive has instilled fear among community members, prompting a hurried evacuation. Visual evidence from the scene depicts residents frantically packing their belongings, uncertain of their future.
A local resident, speaking under anonymity due to safety concerns, recounted the ordeal:
"The Army arrived unexpectedly, demanding that we leave our homes immediately. They threatened to demolish our houses and harm anyone who resisted. We've lived here for decades; this is our home. Now, we're left with nowhere to go."
Another community member expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice and the sudden nature of the eviction:
"We were given no warning. How can they expect us to uproot our lives overnight? Our children, our livelihoods, everything is here."
The Tunga Maje community claims to have sought intervention from various governmental bodies, including the local area council, senators, and even the presidential office. Despite these efforts, residents allege that their appeals have been met with inaction, leaving them vulnerable to the Army's demands.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of land disputes between military authorities and indigenous communities within the FCT. Similar conflicts have arisen in the past, often resulting in forced evictions and allegations of human rights violations. The recurring nature of these disputes underscores the need for a comprehensive review of land allocation policies and the establishment of clear, enforceable property rights to prevent future conflicts.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have condemned the recent actions in Tunga Maje, calling for immediate government intervention to protect the rights of the displaced residents. There are growing demands for an independent investigation into the incident and the implementation of measures to ensure that such disputes are resolved through legal and peaceful means, rather than through intimidation and force.