Sources within the community told KogiTribune that the army issued the order during a recent visit, warning that anyone who failed to comply would be “dealt with.” The development has sparked widespread panic, with many residents expressing fear and confusion over the motive behind the renewed demolitions.
One resident, who pleaded anonymity, said the army arrived armed, demolished sections of the community’s workshop centre, and gave occupants living nearby an ultimatum to vacate the premises.
“We do not know why the Nigerian Army is doing this. Where do you expect people to go? Many families have nowhere to sleep, and livelihoods have been destroyed,” the resident said.
Reports indicate that this is not the first time Tungamaje residents have faced such action. In April, the Nigerian Army reportedly stormed the community around 2 a.m. and demolished several houses without prior notice, leaving many families displaced.
Community sources say that at least 24 communities within the Tungamaje area have been affected so far. Residents allege that soldiers arrive armed and often lease out seized farmlands to outsiders, further deepening their hardship.
“They took over our farms. Sometimes, when you go to your farm, you’ll find someone else working it because the military has leased it out. That is our source of survival,” a farmer lamented.
The residents say they have written several petitions to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Office of the Vice President but have yet to receive any concrete response.
“We’ve written to government officials and even the Senate Committee that investigated the issue. Everyone knows the land doesn’t belong to the army, yet they keep coming back,” another resident said.
Many displaced families are now seeking refuge in makeshift shelters, while others have sent their children to live with relatives in other states. The residents have called for urgent intervention from the federal government and human rights groups to prevent further suffering and loss.
