Residents of Angwa Dio and Angwa Shibaba communities in Tungamaje, Abuja, are facing fresh displacement following an order reportedly directing them to leave their homes by Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Several houses in the two communities have reportedly been marked for demolition, with residents claiming they were initially given until Saturday, August 8, to vacate the area before stakeholders secured a five-day extension.
A community source said more than 30 houses have been identified for demolition, while residents across the affected areas have allegedly been instructed to leave.
According to the source, attempts by community members to seek more time were unsuccessful, as they were reportedly told that the directive came from higher authorities.
The development has reportedly triggered anxiety among residents, many of whom say they have yet to determine where they would relocate if the demolition goes ahead.
A resident said tension had increased in the communities, with affected families worried about losing their homes and livelihoods.
The latest eviction threat is coming amid a prolonged dispute between Tungamaje residents and the Nigerian Army over land ownership and access to farmland.
The residents had previously raised similar concerns over alleged attempts by some military personnel to take control of portions of land belonging to members of the communities.
In May 2026, residents reportedly accused some Army personnel of forcibly removing locals from their ancestral lands and subsequently taking possession of the properties.
Some residents also alleged that individuals claiming links to the Army had taken over lands after evicting their original owners and, in some cases, allegedly rented the properties out.
The situation has particularly affected residents who depend heavily on farming, with locals expressing concern that continued restrictions and demolitions could further threaten their livelihoods.
Community members have repeatedly called for government intervention, urging relevant authorities to investigate the land dispute and prevent further displacement.
The residents also alleged that similar incidents had occurred previously.
In October 2025, residents reportedly raised concerns over another directive ordering them to leave their homes ahead of an alleged demolition exercise, creating uncertainty and fear within the community.
Earlier, in April 2025, parts of a community workshop centre were reportedly demolished by armed military personnel. Residents living around the area were also allegedly instructed to vacate their homes.
Further reports indicated that some houses were demolished in the early hours of April 1, leaving several families displaced.
Residents said the repeated incidents had disrupted economic activities in Tungamaje, particularly farming, which remains a major source of livelihood for many households.
They are now appealing for urgent intervention from the relevant authorities to prevent another round of displacement and resolve the longstanding dispute over land ownership in the area.
Efforts to obtain the Nigerian Army’s position on the latest development were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, reportedly did not respond to calls and text messages seeking clarification on the alleged eviction order and planned demolition.
