Residents of Dio, Baushe and Shishida communities in Tungan-Maje, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have appealed for intervention over alleged encroachment on their ancestral farmlands by the Nigerian military.
The residents also alleged that the military had prevented them from expanding their homes to accommodate growing family populations, resulting in several people being forced to live in single rooms.
The communities said the military arrived in the area about six years ago and began constructing what is now known as the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment around Tungan-Maje.
Speaking to Abuja Metro, the Sarkin Dio, Malam Usman Dio, said the residents initially welcomed the military's presence, hoping it would improve security in the area.
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He said the relationship between the military and the communities remained cordial for some time before the situation allegedly changed about three years ago.
"We lived with them in mutual respect until about three years ago when they started collecting our farmlands and giving them to tenants.
"A civilian stranger would apply for farmland, fill a form and be given a farm on tenancy agreement with the military, while the actual owner would be denied access to his farm," the traditional leader alleged.
Also speaking, the ward head of Baushe, Paul Sule, alleged that the military had restricted residents from expanding their houses by constructing additional rooms to accommodate their growing families.
"As a result, you would find about seven people living inside one room.
"This is not fair to the natives ofthe community, as we don't have anywhere to call home apart from the FCT," Sule said.
On his part, the Madaki of Shishida, Musa Madaki, alleged that the military had intensified its encroachment on farmlands, destroying crops and erecting structures without compensating affected farmers.
"They later demanded that we vacate our homes, claiming that the area is part of their barracks and that we should leave entirely.
"This is the land where we buried our parents and forefathers. Where do they expect us to relocate to?" Madaki queried.
He further alleged that the military intensified its activities in the area about two weeks ago by marking several buildings across the three communities, raising fears that they could be demolished.
The residents appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene in the dispute and prevent the alleged demolition of their homes and further loss of farmland.
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Army mum
Efforts made for several days to get official reaction from the authorities of the Nigerian Army proved abortive.
When Daily Trust contacted the spokesperson to the Nigerian Army, Appolonia Anele, she said she would find out and revert.
Anele, a Colonel, when contacted again, told one of our correspondents that she was yet to get any information regarding the matter.
"Nothing heard yet," the senior military officer said.
