Abuja, Nigeria — Tension flared on Monday in the Gaduwa district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his entourage were stopped by soldiers from accessing a disputed parcel of land.
The confrontation reportedly led to a heated exchange between the minister’s team and the military officers, drawing the attention of onlookers in the area.
According to reports, the soldiers blocked the minister’s convoy from entering the site, claiming they were acting on instructions from a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo. Members of Wike’s team, however, accused the officers of unprofessional conduct and attempting to intimidate government officials on legitimate duty.
Visibly angered by the incident, Wike condemned what he described as “acts of impunity,” warning that his administration would not tolerate any unauthorized occupation or development of land within the FCT.
Despite his directive, the soldiers reportedly refused to vacate the area, insisting they were under strict orders to secure the property.
The development has further fueled concerns over overlapping authority and enforcement powers in Abuja’s land administration system.