By John Moses
Two residents of Karsana in Federal Capital Territory were shot and injured on Monday as police confronted protesters opposing the demolition of homes in the community.
The victims, Sunday Danjuma and Jacob Audu, are currently being treated at Gwagwa Health Centre, after police allegedly opened fire during an attempt to disperse locals who tried to re-enter the demolished settlement.
Zakari Baba, chairman of the Karsana community, told reporters that violence broke out after police at the community gate denied residents access to collect belongings from the ruins of their homes.
“The confrontation began mid-morning, and after some of the residents attempted to push through the blockade, police fired shots,” Baba confirmed.
Hon. Musa Dikko, the Federal Capital Territory’s representative at the Public Complaints Commission, verified the incident and said his office was investigating the matter. Dikko said he had visited the area to ease tensions and had summoned the unnamed developer responsible for the demolition.
“We are trying to establish who authorised this operation. It’s crucial we get clarity, particularly given the injuries and the scale of destruction,” he said.
Contacted for clarification, FCT Police Command spokesperson SP Adeh Josephine could not be reached and did not respond to text inquiries.
The demolition has triggered wider political fallout. On Saturday, AMAC Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu condemned the act, particularly the destruction of the palace of the community’s traditional ruler, Yahaya Barde, describing it as unlawful. He has threatened to pursue legal action.
With emotions running high, residents continue to call for justice and accountability, both for the destruction of their homes and for the police’s use of force.
