Land dispute turns deadly in FCT’s Kuchibiyi community as police clash with residents

Tension gripped Kuchibiyi community in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Saturday as a violent confrontation between residents and police operatives left one person dead and two others injured.

According to eyewitness Samuel Dangana, the unrest began when suspected land grabbers, reportedly backed by officers from the Byazhin Police Division, entered the area to take over a disputed parcel of land. The attempt quickly escalated into a clash with locals who resisted the takeover.

Community members alleged that the police used excessive force during the operation, which they say was unprovoked and carried out without proper legal backing. The identity of the deceased has not been publicly disclosed, while the injured victims are currently receiving treatment.

“The land grabbers came in company of the some policemen trying to mark out some portions of land, in which the natives now blocked the road to prevent them. And the next thing, we started hearing shots of gun and teargas. One of the natives died from bullet wound while two others were injured,” he said.

Dangana added that the injured victims are receiving treatment at a hospital in Bwari.

Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Byazhin/Kuchibiyi Ward, Dogara Ahmed, said one person died while two others sustained injuries. “Yes, I have just been informed that one person died while two others were injured but I just arrived the community right now to get details about the incident. I will get back to you later,” he told our correspondent by phone.

FCT police spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine, said some suspects had been arrested following a “civil unrest” in the area, adding that the disturbance was linked to a land dispute.

She explained that Divisional Police Officers from Byazhin and Kubwa mobilized to the scene to restore order. While she did not confirm the reported death, she stated that investigations were underway.

Adeh noted that FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, condemned the attack on police personnel, warning that assaults on officers during official duties would not be tolerated.

(DAILY TRUST)