Wike clash with soldiers in Abuja over disputed land
A tense confrontation unfolded in Abuja on Tuesday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, clashed with a group of soldiers and city officials over a disputed parcel of land in the Gaduwa District.
The altercation began when armed soldiers reportedly blocked Wike and his entourage from accessing the site, sparking a heated exchange.
“This is unprofessional. You cannot be threatening a minister like this,” one of the officials accompanying Wike was heard saying, as the visibly displeased minister questioned the soldiers’ authority to restrict access.
Wike, clearly angered by the standoff, condemned what he described as a show of impunity, insisting that no one is above the law.
“You have no document,” the minister said, accusing those occupying the land of bypassing due process. But the soldiers stood their ground, claiming they were acting on orders from above.
“We cannot continue to act in impunity. We cannot continue this way. This country cannot go along this line,” Wike declared firmly. “You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those that they can intimidate.”
“I Will Not Succumb to Blackmail”
Following the heated confrontation, Wike accused the soldiers of operating outside the law and dismissed any claim of legitimate ownership over the disputed property.
“It’s really unfortunate. And you heard what was said by the former Chief of Staff,” Wike said. “I don’t understand how someone who has held such a high position, instead of coming to my office to resolve issues, believes that being a military officer gives them the right to intimidate Nigerians.”
Emphasizing his resolve, the minister added, “I’m not one of those kinds of people who will succumb to blackmail.”
Despite Wike’s warnings, the soldiers refused to leave the site, insisting that they were acting under the directives of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (rtd.).
The standoff has reignited concerns over land administration and power tussles in the FCT, as Wike continues his campaign to reclaim and sanitize illegally occupied government properties across Abuja.
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