Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has strongly condemned the alleged shooting of unarmed residents by police officers during a peaceful protest against the demolition of homes in Karsana, Abuja.
She described the incident as a shameful abuse of power and a reflection of systemic disregard for the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The demolition exercise, carried out by the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike, reportedly triggered public outcry after videos surfaced online showing residents being forcefully dispersed by security operatives.
Eyewitnesses claimed the residents were unarmed and peacefully protesting the sudden destruction of their homes when police allegedly opened fire. Several individuals sustained injuries during the chaos.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Senator Kingibe decried the actions of law enforcement, labeling it “state-sponsored trauma” and demanding immediate justice.
“We cannot build a just society by bulldozing communities without compassion or firing at citizens instead of listening to them. This incident represents a gross abuse of power and a violation of the fundamental rights of our people,” her statement read.
The senator called on the government to hold the responsible officers accountable, investigate the incident thoroughly, and compensate the victims.
“The pain, fear, and indignity inflicted on these residents is something no human being deserves, least of all in our nation’s capital,” she added.
“The government must remember that its duty is to protect, not persecute. We must rethink this approach to urban development that treats our people as obstacles instead of stakeholders.”
Residents in Karsana told reporters that there was no proper notice given before the demolitions began. According to Musa Aliyu, a local resident:
“We just woke up to bulldozers and armed police. People were crying, trying to carry out what they could. Then they started shooting. It was chaos.”
Another resident, Mrs. Aisha Nwafor, also lamented the situation:
“These are our homes. We are not criminals. We were just begging them to stop or give us more time.”
Senator Kingibe has reiterated her call for justice, urging the authorities to provide medical support, ensure compensation for affected residents, and prevent future occurrences of such brutal enforcement tactics.
As the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, I am deeply disturbed and angered by the tragic events that unfolded today in Karsana, Abuja, where police reportedly opened fire on unarmed residents protesting the demolition of their homes. That bullets were fired at… pic.twitter.com/i2u6UCi4aV
— Sen. Ireti Kingibe (@IretiKingibe) July 23, 2025
