Residents of the Tudun Wada community, Shendam Native Authorities Space of Plateau State, on Thursday gathered on the premises of the Nationwide Meeting, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Workplace of the Inspector Common of Police in Abuja to stage a protest towards the demolition of their homes and properties by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by the former Commissioner for Lands and Survey within the state, Festus Fuanter.
The protesters additionally accused the Plateau State Police Command of offering cowl for hoodlums who demolished their homes within the community with out giving causes for his or her actions.
One of the leaders of the protesters, Isa Muhammad, who spoke to newsmen on their grievances, mentioned residents of the community have been shocked when the hoodlums stormed the community as early as 5 a.m. on Wednesday and commenced flattening their homes whereas closely armed policemen gave them safety, daring any resident to cease them.
Muhammad insisted that regardless of possessing legitimate paperwork for his or her land and having lived within the community for many years, they have been stunned that Fuanter would collude with the police to perform the demolition though the matter remains to be pending earlier than the Court docket of Attraction.
“My dad and mom are Gomai by tribe. I purchased the land and constructed my home about 18 years in the past. In 2022, the former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Festus Fuanter, took us to court docket,” Muhammad mentioned.
“We appealed the case, and it’s nonetheless earlier than the Court docket of Attraction. Sadly, earlier than judgment was delivered, the former commissioner connived with the police to destroy our homes with none court docket order or discover.
“We’re interesting for justice as we’ve nowhere else to name house,” he added.
One other sufferer, Danladi Abdullahi, who additionally spoke in the course of the protest, mentioned they’d been residing peacefully within the community till Fuanter and his household got here up with a lawsuit claiming the community belonged to them and that they have been unlawful occupants.
“We’re peaceable residents of this nation, and that’s why we got here right here to search justice. We have been asleep when hoodlums, supported by the police, invaded our community, chased us out, and destroyed our houses. Many of the homes are price over ₦20 million. We’re calling on the Federal Authorities to examine the incident,” Abdullahi mentioned.
Nevertheless, when contacted to touch upon the allegations, the former Commissioner denied any involvement within the demolition train, insisting that although his household had instituted a lawsuit towards the occupants of their lands, he was not a participant within the case.
Spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alabo Alfred, who was additionally contacted, mentioned the command was not conscious of the demolition however would examine the incident and make a press release on the applicable time.
