Tension gripped Karsana community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday after two natives, identified as Sunday Danjuma and Jacob Audu, were reportedly shot by policemen deployed to manage protests over a controversial demolition exercise.
Naijaonpoint reports that he incident occurred during a heated confrontation between security operatives and residents who were attempting to access the demolished area to salvage their belongings.
Speaking with Daily Trust, the Chairman of the Karsana community, Zakari Baba, confirmed that the unrest broke out around 10 am when policemen stationed at the community’s main entrance blocked residents from re-entering the area.
Baba stated, “Commotion started when the natives, whose houses were demolished, tried to force their way into the community to evacuate their property.
“The police opened fire, and two of the natives sustained bullet wounds. They are currently receiving treatment at Gwagwa health centre.”
The demolition, which sparked widespread anger, was reportedly carried out without prior notice to the affected residents, many of whom are natives of the FCT.
Also speaking with Daily Trust via telephone, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Musa Dikko, confirmed the shooting incident.
Dikko said, “Two natives of Karsana sustained gunshot injuries during an altercation with security operatives.”
He revealed that he immediately visited the community upon receiving a distress call, adding that efforts were made to restore calm among aggrieved residents.
He stated, “Actually, I led some of my officials to the community when I received a distress call that two natives of Karsana community were shot. And as I speak, we have been able to douse tension while we have also invited the developer to come to our office so that he will explain on whose directive he carried out the demolition.”