Amnesty International condemns demolition of Abuja community, alleges rights violations

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the demolition of homes in the Durumi 3 community of Abuja, describing the exercise as an arbitrary and violent forced eviction that left hundreds of residents homeless.
In a statement issued on Monday, the human rights organization alleged that bulldozers, accompanied by heavily armed police personnel, entered the community at about 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and demolished homes while some residents were still inside.

According to Amnesty International, the operation demonstrated what it called the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) authorities’ disregard for due process and the welfare of affected residents.

“Many homes were bulldozed while entire families were still inside,” the organization said, adding that the exercise displaced hundreds of families and deprived several residents of their means of livelihood.

The group further accused authorities of prioritizing the interests of private developers over the rights and well-being of citizens.

“The forced eviction of Durumi 3 community again shows the Nigerian government’s utter disregard for the well-being of the people and dedication to the greed of rapacious private developers,” Amnesty International stated.

The organization argued that forced evictions constitute violations of internationally recognized human rights, including the right to adequate housing and the rights of indigenous communities.

It noted that such actions can also expose affected persons to additional human rights concerns, including limited access to food, water, healthcare, education, employment, and protection from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Amnesty called on the Federal Government to intervene and direct FCT authorities to halt further evictions, stressing that Nigeria is a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

“The federal government must direct FCT authorities to refrain from enforcing these evictions and take action to prevent them,” the statement said.

The organization concluded by urging authorities to ensure that all citizens are treated equally and have access to safe housing.

“Every person, regardless of status, in society must have a place. Nigeria belongs to all and not just to a select few,” Amnesty International added.