FCT indigenes protest over killings of natives by Army

A coalition of Federal Capital Territory indigenous groups on Tuesday carried out a protest at the National Assembly gate over recent killings of its native people allegedly perpetrated by the Nigerian Army.

The protest which lasted for hours resorted to traffic gridlock at the various entry point of the National Assembly around the Eagle Square, Presidential villa and Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government thereby leaving many whose offices are situated there stranded.

The protesters said they have already written to the presidency. They further threatened to storm the presidential villa soon if the Army is not called to order.

They revealed that no less than Seven of their kinsmen, women and children have been killed, adding that their crops destroyed and lands had been forcefully taking over the Army.

Giri, Kpakuru, Ido Garki, Zuba and Tugan Maje are amongst affected areas the group claimed that the Army is committing the genocide.

Speaking at the protest, Dalhatu Ezekiel, who led the group expressed dismay that they were at a loss over why the FCT natives will continue to suffer just for relinquishing their ancestral lands to the government to build the capital territory.

”we are helpless, we want Justice” that is why we are here”, Ezekiel decried.

He disclosed further that they have also written to the Villa and would visit there, notwithstanding today’ protest which they have carried to the doorstep of the National Assembly.

According to him, the Army were illegal occupants and were laying false claims to the lands they don’t have or own titles.

” Each time we demand their allocation letters, their responses usually are the allocations letters have been burnt”

He noted that the natives will keep on demanding justice through every legal and constitutional means.

Meanwhile, Chairman Senate Committee on FCT, Dino Melaye, while addressing the protesters in the company of other senators, said a committee will be set up by the Senate leadership to interface with group’s leaders.

Dino assured the group that a meeting will be held on the same day of the protest to resolve all the issues and pass to the leadership to make a resolution.