A dramatic scene unfolded in Abuja as Wike and military officer clash over alleged land grabbing in Abuja made headlines following a tense exchange between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a yet-to-be-identified military officer. The heated confrontation reportedly took place on Tuesday at the Gaduwa District of the nation’s capital, where the two figures engaged in a verbal battle over a disputed piece of land.
A video that surfaced online captured the intense moment as Wike confronted the officer, accusing him of unlawfully taking over land that did not belong to him. The visibly infuriated FCT Minister demanded to know why a member of the armed forces would assume ownership of property linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, insisting that such actions were illegal and unacceptable.
In the viral footage, Wike was heard asking sharply, “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” His outburst reflected his frustration with what he described as a growing culture of impunity in land dealings within the Federal Capital Territory.
The officer, who stood firm in military camouflage, responded assertively, insisting that the land acquisition was legitimate. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he stated in defense of his actions. However, his attempt to justify himself only intensified the argument.
Angered by the officer’s interruption, Wike ordered him to remain silent, but the soldier refused. “I will not shut up,” the officer snapped back, escalating the already tense atmosphere. In response, Wike fired a harsh retort, saying, “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.”
The verbal exchange did not stop there. The military officer maintained that he was stationed at the disputed site based on official deployment, insisting that he was carrying out his duty. But Wike, who has been known for his tough stance on illegal land occupations in Abuja, dismissed the claim, warning, “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.”
The confrontation quickly drew public attention, with many Nigerians debating the recurring issue of land ownership and power misuse in the FCT. As of the time of reporting, neither the Nigerian military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had released an official statement regarding the altercation.
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It is not the first time land-related controversies have sparked public interest in Abuja. Over the years, disputes over illegal allocations, encroachments, and fraudulent developments have plagued the city’s administration. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has prioritized restoring order to the capital’s land system. He has led several demolition exercises targeting unlawful constructions and unauthorized land acquisitions.
Under his leadership, the FCTA has launched renewed efforts to revive the Abuja Master Plan, which, according to him, has been distorted by years of unregulated development and political interference. The minister has repeatedly emphasized that the era of impunity in land administration is over, promising to enforce strict adherence to approved planning and allocation guidelines.
The incident where Wike and military officer clash over alleged land grabbing in Abuja once again underscores the deep-seated problems of corruption, favoritism, and abuse of authority surrounding land ownership in the capital. Wike’s reaction also reflects his determination to confront anyone—regardless of their status—who engages in practices that undermine the city’s planning laws.
While Nigerians await official clarifications from both the FCTA and the military, the confrontation has reignited national discussions on accountability and the need for transparency in land management across the Federal Capital Territory.