Armed soldiers has disrupted a demolition exercise in the Sabon Lugbe area of Abuja, allegedly acting on the orders of a senior army officer, as reported by VANGUARD.
The incident happened during the removal of illegal structures, including a fence on a plot reportedly owned by the Major General.
Development control officials conducting the operation were blocked by soldiers upon their arrival, the soldiers reportedly threatened violence, stating that there would be severe consequences.
The situation expanded when a soldier targeted the operator of a demolition vehicle, forcing him to exit and then attacking him, the vehicle’s tires were also deflated using gunfire.
Reinforcements arrived after the soldiers contacted the Major General, more soldiers joined, detaining several officials, including the demolition operator and other team members, they were reportedly held at the Major General’s residence for several hours.
During the confrontation, vehicles belonging to the officials were confiscated, while others were rendered immobile with flat tires caused by gunshots.
Police officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer from Trademore Estate, later arrived at the scene, however, attempts to address the situation were reportedly dismissed by the Major General, who refused to engage with the police team.