By Huldah Shado and Onyeanya Immaculata and Onilede Faith
Tension flared on Tuesday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, clashed with armed soldiers who blocked him and his team from accessing a disputed parcel of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
Wike, accompanied by officials of the FCT Administration (FCTA), had visited the site to inspect developments but was stopped by military personnel reportedly deployed by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Visibly angered, the minister confronted the soldiers, describing their actions as “illegal” and a “breach of due process.”
He accused them of intimidating government officials and obstructing lawful duties, saying, “You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot carry a gun to intimidate anybody.”
In a viral video, Wike was also seen reprimanding one of the officers, warning that he would not be bullied or blackmailed.
He stated that the FCTA had no record of any valid allocation or title documents for the property.
Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, later alleged that the soldiers were acting on Gambo’s instructions to protect an unauthorized construction project on the land.
According to him, the minister had earlier contacted the Chief of Defence Staff before visiting the site.
Despite Wike’s insistence that the occupation was illegal, the soldiers maintained their position, claiming they were acting under orders.
The FCTA has since launched an investigation into the ownership and development status of the property.
