Some natives of Idu, a community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have staged a peaceful protest, condemning the alleged injustice meted out to them by property developers.
The protesters, comprising men, women, and youth, marched through the streets of Idu community, carrying placards and chanting slogans that expressed their grievances.
Addressing newsmen at the protest, the youth leader of Karimo, Musa Abdullahi, said the community had been subjected to suffering due to activities of the developers.
According to the protesters, some property developers have been acquiring their ancestral lands without proper compensation.
He recalled that the land, which is about 250 hectares, has been earmarked for the multi-billion naira Abuja Airport Garden City, along Idu-Gousa village.
Abdullahi also alleged that the developers, in collaboration with some government officials, had been using tactics like forceful eviction, intimidation, and manipulation of legal processes to dispossess them of their lands.
He said: “We are not against development, but we demand justice and fairness. Our lands are our heritage, and we will not stand by and watch as they are taken away from us without benefits.
“This has been our ancestral land, which has been here for over 100 years; we have planted our crops for the rainy season, which they destroyed in preparation for building. They have also brought soldiers and police to intimate us.”
He called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that their rights are protected.
Also speaking, Youth Leader, Gwagwa community, Abdusalam Ahmed, said: “We have been treated as if we are not Nigerians. It is widely believed that this type of injustice only occurs in the FCT community, where land is taken without consulting the indigenous people or engaging in public partnerships. This act is unjust and unacceptable.”
