Protesters from the Tudun Wada community in Plateau State have taken their grievances to the nation’s capital, Abuja, following the demolition of their homes. They accuse a former state commissioner and the police of orchestrating the operation.

Residents staged demonstrations on Thursday at the National Assembly, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police. They allege that hoodlums, backed by heavily armed police officers, demolished their houses without warning or a court order.

A Dawn Raid and Allegations of Injustice

According to community leaders, the demolition occurred in a pre-dawn raid on Wednesday.

“We were asleep when hoodlums, supported by the police, invaded our community, chased us out, and destroyed our homes,” said Danladi Abdullahi, one of the victims.

The protesters specifically named Festus Fuanter, the former Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Plateau State, as the alleged sponsor of the action. Community leader Isa Muhammad claimed the demolition happened despite an ongoing legal battle over the land’s ownership.

“We appealed the case, and it’s still before the Court of Appeal. Unfortunately, before judgment was delivered, the former commissioner connived with the police to destroy our houses,” Muhammad stated. He insisted that residents have lived in the community for decades and possess valid documents for their land.

Officials Deny Involvement

When contacted for a response, Festus Fuanter denied any role in the demolition. He acknowledged that his family had taken the community members to court over the land but stated he was “not a participant” in the recent demolition exercise.

The Plateau State Police Command also stated it was not aware of the incident. DSP Alabo Alfred, the police spokesperson, said the command would investigate the allegations and issue a statement later.

The protesters are now appealing to the Federal Government to intervene, claiming they have been rendered homeless and that their properties, some valued at over ₦20 million, have been destroyed.