By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Residents of Katampe Extension in Abuja have allegedly said that officials of the Bwari Area Council, along with thugs and armed policemen, entered the district and took away gatekeepers and house staff while claiming to enforce radio and television licence payments.

In a statement signed by the Katampe Extension Residents Association President, Mohammed Gimba, the community described the situation as “bizarre”, saying the officials were taking the law into their own hands.

The residents said people standing by homes were being “randomly arrested and detained”, leaving houses unsecured.

They noted that the actions go against Nigerian law, which only permits arrest when there is reasonable suspicion of a crime.

Gimba added that Katampe Extension is under the Abuja Municipal Area Council, not Bwari Area Council, and that the levy they are demanding has already been suspended in AMAC.

He also said the request for payment into a private company’s account was “disturbing”.

He said, “In a community where people are simply trying to live peacefully, these actions create fear, disrupt lives, and smack of extortion rather than lawful revenue collection.

“In view of the above, we urge the Bwari Area Council to immediately halt these aggressive actions and engage in constructive dialogue with Katampe Extension residents.

“Clear explanations of the legal basis for these demands, coupled with a more consultative approach, would foster trust rather than fear. Residents are willing to engage, but they will not silently endure harassment,” the statement said.

The residents called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to step in and prevent further actions that could cause tension in the community.