Deadly Clash Rocks Bwari Area Council

A land dispute in the Kuchibiyi community, located in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), turned violent on Saturday, resulting in the death of one person and leaving two others with bullet injuries. The confrontation reportedly occurred between local natives and police officers who allegedly accompanied suspected land grabbers to the area.

Tensions are now high in the community, with calls for accountability and a transparent investigation into the events that led to the fatal clash.

How the Clash Started: Alleged Attempted Land Takeover

According to local resident Samuel Dangana, the crisis began when a group of suspected land grabbers, escorted by armed police officers from the Byazhin Division, arrived in Kuchibiyi community and attempted to claim a parcel of land.

Dangana reported that the sight of the group prompted alarm among the villagers, who quickly mobilized to barricade the access roads in an effort to stop the group from entering or marking any land.

“The land grabbers came with policemen trying to mark portions of land. The community reacted immediately to stop them. Suddenly, we heard gunshots and teargas,” Dangana recounted during a phone conversation with a reporter.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the police opened fire, using both live ammunition and teargas to disperse the protesting locals.

Casualties and Medical Treatment

Tragically, one native reportedly died from a gunshot wound during the altercation. Two other individuals sustained injuries from bullets and are currently being treated at a hospital in Bwari town.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially disclosed, but community members describe the victim as a young resident involved in the peaceful resistance.

Local Officials React

The councillor representing Byazhin/Kuchibiyi Ward, Hon. Dogara J. Ahmed, confirmed the incident, stating that he had been notified of one fatality and two injuries.

“Yes, I’ve been informed. I just got to the community and I’m gathering full details,” Ahmed said via telephone.

His statement underscores the need for a more coordinated and lawful approach to resolving land disputes, especially in communities with long-standing ownership claims.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

When contacted, FCT Police spokesperson SP Adeh Josephine acknowledged that a civil disturbance had taken place in Kuchibiyi village. She confirmed that some individuals had been arrested and that a police investigation was ongoing.

According to SP Adeh:

“The Divisional Police Officers of Byazhin and Kubwa divisions responded swiftly and brought the situation under control. Arrests were made, and further investigations are ongoing.”

However, SP Adeh did not directly address the reported death or injuries despite follow-up messages via WhatsApp. This omission has fueled criticism from residents and observers, who demand clarity on the circumstances leading to the alleged fatal shooting.

The Commissioner of Police for FCT, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, condemned what he described as an “attack on police officers,” warning that such actions will not be tolerated and that strong measures will be taken against any individual who assaults law enforcement agents.

Land Disputes and Police Brutality: A Rising Concern

Incidents like the one in Kuchibiyi highlight a growing problem in Nigeria’s urban and semi-urban regions — violent clashes over land involving private interests and state-backed security forces. In many communities, land disputes are worsened by a lack of clear documentation, overlapping claims, and the use of force to assert ownership.

Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned against the use of armed police in civil land matters, especially when disputes are yet to be adjudicated by competent authorities. The use of live bullets in civilian protests further raises concerns about police brutality and abuse of power.

Conclusion: Call for Transparent Investigation and Justice

As the dust settles in Kuchibiyi, calls for a transparent and impartial investigation into the clash continue to grow. Community leaders, civil society organizations, and residents alike are demanding justice for the life lost and assurances that law enforcement officers will be held accountable for any wrongdoing.

This incident serves as a wake-up call for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to establish proper dispute resolution frameworks that prioritize dialogue over force and prevent future tragedies.

Justice and peace must go hand-in-hand — and it begins with truth and accountability.