HIPCITY CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF REPORTED TUNGAMAJE EVICTION AND DEMOLITION THREAT
Abuja, 10 August 2026
HipCity Innovation Centre is deeply concerned by reports that residents of Angwa Dio and Angwa Shibaba communities in Tungamaje, Abuja, have been directed to vacate their homes by Wednesday, 12 August 2026, amid an unresolved land dispute involving the Nigerian Army.
According to reports published by Sahara Reporters on 10 August 2026, more than 30 houses have reportedly been marked for demolition, with affected residents facing imminent displacement. The report further states that residents had initially been given until 8 August to leave before an intervention by stakeholders resulted in a short extension.
This development is particularly troubling because the Tungamaje land dispute is not new. In January 2026, reports indicated that the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions had intervened following complaints from affected residents and called for a suspension of demolition-related activities while the matter was being reviewed.
HipCity Innovation Centre is concerned that renewed threats of demolition, while questions surrounding the ownership, acquisition and use of the disputed land remain contested, could expose households to avoidable displacement and deepen an already prolonged conflict.
We recognise the legitimate responsibility of government to protect public assets, national security interests and public infrastructure. However, security considerations must not become a substitute for due process. Any acquisition of land or removal of residents must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws, with affected persons given appropriate notice, access to information, avenues for redress and compensation where applicable.
Section 44 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides safeguards against compulsory acquisition of property except in accordance with law and requires prompt compensation while preserving access to courts or competent bodies for persons contesting their interests.
HipCity is therefore calling on the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Nigerian Army and other relevant authorities to immediately suspend any demolition or forced eviction in the affected Tungamaje communities pending a transparent resolution of the underlying dispute.
We further call for:
- An immediate halt to any demolition or forced displacement until the legal status of the disputed land has been independently established.
- A transparent review of all relevant land documents, allocations, acquisition instruments and court or administrative decisions relating to the affected communities.
- Meaningful engagement with affected residents, including homeowners, tenants, farmers, traditional/community representatives, women, children and other vulnerable groups.
- Clear disclosure of the authority and legal instrument upon which any proposed eviction or demolition is based.
- Adequate notice and effective access to legal and administrative remedies for affected residents.
- Prompt and fair compensation where compulsory acquisition is legally established, including consideration of buildings, crops and other legitimate interests affected by the acquisition.
- A humane resettlement or relocation framework where displacement is ultimately found to be lawful and unavoidable.
- Independent monitoring of the process to ensure that no resident is subjected to intimidation, harassment or unlawful destruction of property.
- Renewed legislative and institutional oversight, particularly given the reported previous intervention of the National Assembly in the matter.
HipCity Innovation Centre also urges the authorities to recognise that the consequences of displacement extend far beyond the demolition of buildings. Families may lose shelter, livelihoods, farm produce, businesses, school access, community networks and years of accumulated investment. For many low-income households, once a home is demolished, rebuilding is not an option that can be achieved overnight.
The Tungamaje situation should therefore not be treated simply as a land-management or security matter. It is a housing, livelihoods, governance and human rights concern.
HipCity Innovation Centre calls on all parties to choose dialogue, lawful dispute resolution and institutional accountability over confrontation. Where government has a legitimate claim to land, that claim should be established transparently. Where residents possess legitimate interests, those interests must be respected and addressed through due process.
No development, security operation or land administration process should leave ordinary residents asking where they and their children will sleep the next morning.
HipCity Innovation Centre remains committed to promoting inclusive cities where development is people-centred, institutions are accountable and every resident can participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their homes, livelihoods and communities.
Issued by:
HipCity Innovation Centre
Abuja, Nigeria
10 August 2026
