Press Statement:
FCT Indigenes Condemn Kuchibedna Demolition and Loss of Life
….Inhumane Displacement and Use of Excessive Force
….Calls on FCT Minister Wike to Visit the Community to Assertain the True Story
….Call for Immediate Legislative Action
The Concerned Indigenous People of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) issue this statement to vehemently condemn the recent, devastating demolition exercise carried out in the Kuchibedna community in Abuja, which tragically resulted in the loss of a life and the massive destruction of property.
The Convener of Socio-Cultural Group, (CIPFCT), Mr Danjuma Dagami, noted that this act of aggression against peaceful, law-abiding citizens is a profound violation of human rights and a stark demonstration of institutional disregard for the welfare of the original inhabitants of the FCT.
We stand in solidarity with the victims and demand immediate action against those responsible for authorizing and executing this inhumane operation.
The demolition was executed with an appalling level of force, using heavy machinery and security operatives who further escalated the situation by firing tear gas at the distressed residents. This indiscriminate use of chemical agents against a community, including women, children, and the elderly, adds an extra layer of cruelty to an already tragic event.
This operation has not only erased homes and livelihoods but has also stripped the indigenes of their inherent right to shelter and security, particularly within their ancestral homes.
It is an unconscionable irony that the original owners of the land are being systematically dispossessed and rendered homeless on their own native soil.
The loss of life in this incident makes the injustice painfully clear and underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis.
We assert that such destructive actions, especially those leading to fatalities, are unacceptable and must be immediately halted.
The FCT Administration, tasked with the development and protection of all residents, has instead overseen an operation that has inflicted deep trauma and irreversible damage.
The manner of the demolition, reportedly conducted without adequate notice, consultation, or provision for resettlement, and further characterized by the use of tear gas, demonstrates a clear failure of governance and a complete lack of empathy for the marginalized indigenous population.
The tragic fatality is a direct consequence of this reckless exercise.
Therefore, the Concerned Indigenous People of the FCT urgently call upon the Minister of the FCT to immediately visit the demolished community and launch an independent, transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Kuchibedna demolition, the use of excessive force including tear gas, and the resulting loss of life.
We further implore the Senate Committee on FCT and the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Auxiliary Matters to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.
We demand that these legislative and executive bodies visit the Kuchibedna community without delay to personally ascertain the course of inhuman treatment meted out to the residents and the extent of the loss of life and properties.
Our communities seek justice, protection, and a permanent end to the arbitrary seizure of our ancestral lands and the demolition of our homes.
The government has a moral and constitutional obligation to protect all citizens, particularly the vulnerable indigenous population.
We await swift, decisive, and compassionate action from the FCT Minister and the relevant National Assembly Committees to ensure that the perpetrators of this injustice are held accountable and that comprehensive compensation and restitution are provided to the victims of the Kuchibedna tragedy.