A tense confrontation broke out on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over an alleged case of land grabbing at the Gaduwa District in Abuja.
A video of the incident, obtained by our correspondent, captured Wike accusing the officer of illegally taking possession of a parcel of land.
In the footage, the visibly enraged minister questioned why the military was claiming ownership of the property simply because it was associated with a former Chief of Naval Staff.
“Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike said.
The officer, dressed in full military camouflage, interrupted Wike, maintaining that the land acquisition was legitimate and that he had acted in good faith.
“I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he replied.
Wike, angered by the interruption, ordered the officer to remain silent.
“I will not shut up,” the officer retorted.
The situation escalated further as Wike responded sharply, saying, “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
Despite the exchange, the officer insisted he was at the site under official directives.
“You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” Wike fired back as the confrontation intensified.
As of press time, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Land disputes and cases of illegal allocation have long plagued the nation’s capital. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has made tackling unauthorised land acquisition, illegal developments, and encroachments a top priority.
He has also ordered multiple demolitions of structures deemed to have violated the Abuja Master Plan, stressing his commitment to restoring order and due process in the FCT.
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