From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Residents of the Digil Community by Mubi Bypass in Adamawa State have been left devastated after bulldozers moved in to demolish houses to make way for the construction of a Federal Medical Centre.
Reports indicate that the demolition has displaced over 10,000 people, leaving affected families in distress without compensation or official communication.
Community leaders who spoke to our correspondent on Wednesday expressed their frustrations, recounting stories of loss, betrayal, and confusion. Among them was a widow, Mrs. Esther Daniel, whose home was razed despite her painstaking efforts to build it with her income from selling second-hand clothes.
“I saved every kobo to build my house. Now, it’s gone, and nobody is saying anything. I collapsed when I saw the bulldozers; I’m still in the hospital,” she said tearfully.
Similarly, Mr. Sanusi Umaru, another resident, lamented the loss of his partially completed house, which he saw as a foundation for a better future for his family. “I have five children, and now we are homeless. I had reached lintel level with my building, and they destroyed everything. They’re even using the water from the well in my compound for the construction of the FMC. Where do they want us to go?” he questioned.
The demolition exercise, which took the community by surprise, involved heavy police and vigilante presence. Residents said they were given no prior notice and were left in shock as their properties were reduced to rubble. “We were told by the state government not to leave our land until compensation was paid. Then, suddenly, they came with armed security and started demolishing without explanation,” said Mr. Abdulaziz Ndonti.
Many residents claim they possess valid documentation for their lands, issued by the local government. Mr. Allah Sani Hamisu, one of the affected community leaders, showed his land papers to emphasise their legitimacy. “We are not squatters. We have legal papers for these lands, yet they treat us like criminals,” he said.
The displaced families are now living in dire conditions, with no clear path forward. Mr. Joseph Mathias, a farmer, described the ordeal as “a cruel betrayal of trust.” He added, “This land has been our home for generations. If they wanted to take it, why not compensate us first? This is injustice.”
According to a source within the construction company, the directive for the demolition came from the state government. However, no official statement has been made to address the residents’ grievances or clarify the situation. “We are only following orders,” the source said, declining to comment further.
The affected families are calling on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to intervene urgently. “We trusted the government to protect us, not to displace us. If this injustice continues, it could lead to chaos,” warned Mr. Ahmed Ali, another community leader.
The demolition has also sparked fears of rising tensions in the community. Mr. Haruna Usman stated, “People are angry and frustrated. The government must act now before things spiral out of control.”
Residents hope their voices will reach the state and federal governments, urging them to halt further demolitions, provide compensation, and ensure transparency. “Governor Fintiri must listen to us. We cannot be abandoned like this,” said Mr. Tumba Manga.