Tensions are rising in the Federal Capital Territory as members of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society have vowed to stage a protest at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Thursday over what they describe as the unlawful takeover of their land by the Nigerian Air Force.
The group claims that armed personnel forcefully seized their 13.5-hectare property in Hulumi Village, Idu, in 2023, despite the land being legally allocated to them after all payments and clearances had been made. According to the society, some members were allegedly harassed and detained during the invasion.
“Our protest will hold at the Defence Ministry because we want our voices heard. This land was properly acquired and cleared by the authorities, yet the Air Force took it over in violation of due process,” one member insisted.
The chairman of the cooperative, Emmanuel Odoh, expressed dismay at the development, stressing that members had met all obligations, including compensation to the host community. “We were shocked when the Air Force encroached on Phase 2 of our land, despite a subsisting court order. They must stop work immediately because the relevant agencies are still reviewing our documents to confirm rightful ownership,” he said.
Another member, Tony Christian, explained that the property was meant for staff and retirees of the agency. “This land was allocated primarily for our members, but with the ongoing encroachment, many risk losing what they worked hard for. The fencing being carried out by the Air Force is unacceptable,” he stated.
The cooperative society emphasized that unless the authorities intervene to halt the alleged encroachment, they will proceed with their protest at the Ministry of Defence to demand justice and the return of their land.
