CITAD Demands Justice Over Land Grabbing, Killing in Bwari Community

By: Julian Osamoto

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has condemned the rising wave of land grabbing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). CITAD also called for urgent action following the killing of a young man, Attahiru Abubakar, in Kuchibuyi, Bwari Area Council.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, CITAD expressed concern over what it described as “a culture of impunity” surrounding land disputes in the FCT. The group said the Kuchibuyi incident highlights how powerful speculators allegedly use violence and forged documents to dispossess indigenous communities of their land.

According to the organisation, armed men believed to be acting on behalf of land speculators invaded farmlands in Kuchibuyi on August 1. It alleges that Youths who resisted the attack were confronted with excessive force, leading to a violent clash in which Abubakar was fatally shot. Instead of apprehending the perpetrators, CITAD alleged that security operatives arrested several community youths.“This represents a grave miscarriage of justice and a tactic often used to intimidate communities fighting for their rights,” the statement read.

CITAD outlined a six-point demand, including: an impartial investigation by the police and DSS into Abubakar’s killing; the immediate release of the arrested youths. CITAD also called for the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to probe land grabbing across the territory; and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to original inhabitants to resolve disputes.

The group further urged the government to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and facilitate dialogue and fair compensation where land is acquired for public use. CITAD warned that unchecked land grabbing threatens peace and stability in the FCT, undermining the rule of law and eroding the rights of indigenous families.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Kuchibuyi and all communities across the FCT facing this menace. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.