Gov Wike vs The Soldier: What Happened At Gaduwa And Why Nigerians Are Talking

A tense scene unfolded in Abuja’s Gaduwa district when Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike confronted a soldier guarding a disputed piece of land.

The encounter, captured on video, quickly went viral across Nigerian social media, sparking heated discussions about power, authority, and land ownership.

The video shows Wike arriving with FCTA officials for an inspection and demolition exercise when soldiers reportedly stopped his convoy from accessing the site.

The minister, visibly angry, accused the officers of protecting illegal land grabbers and warned that “no one is above the law.”

Watch the moment here:

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Gov Wike vs The Soldier: The Land Dispute Behind the Clash

According to reports by Global Hints, the land in question about 30 hectares in Gaduwa  had previously been allocated to top military officers, but was later revoked and reallocated by Wike’s FCTA administration.

According to reports from TVC, some officers resisted the revocation, leading to tension between the FCT authorities and the military. When Wike’s team moved in for demolition, soldiers allegedly blocked access, insisting they were following orders to secure military property.

This confrontation turned a bureaucratic land issue into a national topic about civil-military balance and rule of law in Nigeria’s capital.

Nigerians React Online

Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook flooded timelines with reactions. Here are a few examples:

“For once, someone is standing up to Wike. The soldier deserves a medal for professionalism.” — @EzekielWrites

“This is not about bravery. Soldiers have no right to stop a minister on official duty. Nigeria needs to define boundaries of authority.” — @ChiomaSpeaks

“If Wike can be blocked by a soldier, what chance does an ordinary citizen have in Abuja’s land matters?” — @AbujaWatch

Public opinion is sharply divided some hail the soldier’s courage, while others warn that such defiance sets a dangerous precedent for military interference in civil governance.

Author: Global Hints Editorial Team
Category: Politics / National News
Published: November 2025