Fears of unrest in Gbagyi community as El-Rufai continues demolition

Less than three days to the end of Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s tenure, his administration has continued to demolish structures in Gbagyi community, with about 20 houses brought down by bulldozers yesterday.

The Guardian gathered that during the exercise, several protesting youths who wanted to resist it when the demolition team arrived allegedly suffered gunshot wounds.

Some of those who were shot by the security operatives attached to the demolition team of the Kaduna State Property Development Agency (KASUPDA) were said to be in critical conditions following the injuries they sustained.

Fierce looking soldiers were also spotted manning the entrance to the community to ensure law and order, and prevent the spread of protests by youths to other parts of the metropolis.

Eye witnesses said that about 20 buildings were pulled down by bulldozers, pointing out that “most of the buildings affected are however those closely built near the fence of Kaduna polytechnic at the Gbagyi villa side of the community.”

The community was still in a restless situation at the time of filing this report, as the demolition was still ongoing.

Meanwhile, there were threats to burn down the Kaduna Polytechnic campus, which is a stone throw to Gbagyi villa by the irate youths.

In a telephone conversation with The Guardian, the Spokesman of the Kaduna Police Command, DSP Mohammed Jalige, said he was not aware of the demolition exercise and the unrest by the youths.

“I will do a check on the security situation in the area and get back to you,” he said.