VIDEO: Tension In Abuja As Soldiers Block Wike From Accessing Estate Land

VIDEO: Tension In Abuja As Soldiers Block Wike From Accessing Estate Land

A tense scene unfolded in Abuja when soldiers stopped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from gaining access to a disputed estate land on Tuesday.

In a video obtained by journalists, armed soldiers stationed at the site were seen blocking the minister’s convoy, leading to a heated verbal exchange between Wike and one of the officers.

Visibly infuriated, Wike accused the soldier of obstructing government officials from performing their duties.

In the video, Wike yelled, “Because you’re an officer, nobody does that (nobody acquires land illegally).” 

Soldier: “Sir, we did not carry any land.”

Wike: “The man took this and we will not allow that just because he is the Chief of Army Staff.”

However, the officer stood his ground, insisting that he was acting on lawful orders.

Soldier: “Sir, everything was acquired legally. Sir, you get the point.”

Wike: “Will you stop that?”

Soldier: “Sir, I’m an officer, I have integrity.”

Wike: “Shut up!”

Soldier: “Sir, I will not shut up. Sir, I won’t shut up. Sir, you can’t shut me up.”

Wike: “You’re a big fool.”

Soldier: “I’m not a fool, sir. I am acting on an order.”

The confrontation reportedly escalated as both sides refused to back down, with the soldier defending his actions and asserting that all activities on the land were legitimate.

The standoff drew the attention of nearby residents and other FCTA officials who watched the scene unfold.

The incident is the latest in a series of clashes linked to land disputes and demolition exercises that have marked Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Army nor the FCTA had issued an official statement regarding the confrontation.