A man who was caught in the aftermath of a demolition exercise in the Federal Capital Territory has died just hours after the incident, deepening concerns about the human toll of the ongoing clearance operations in Abuja.
The victim, whose identity had not been officially disclosed at the time of this report, reportedly sustained severe injuries during the demolition carried out by authorities targeting structures marked for removal. Despite efforts to stabilize his condition, he succumbed shortly afterward.
Eyewitnesses said the man had been trying to salvage belongings from the rubble when a section of the structure gave way, injuring him critically. Emergency responders were said to have arrived at the scene and transported him to a nearby medical facility, but his condition deteriorated rapidly.
The demolition was part of a broader urban renewal campaign led by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), aimed at clearing unauthorized buildings and reclaiming public spaces. However, the exercise has drawn public outcry over its speed and humanitarian impact, with many affected residents calling for more engagement and support before displacement.
Human rights groups have also weighed in, urging the government to adopt a more people-centered approach that balances enforcement with empathy.
While officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the death, the incident has reignited debates on the conduct of demolition operations in Nigeria’s capital, with critics calling for policy reforms that prioritize safety and compensation for victims.
This latest tragedy adds to a growing list of demolition-related casualties, prompting fresh scrutiny of urban policy execution and the protection of vulnerable residents during enforcement actions.
