Soldiers, reportedly acting on the orders of an unnamed army general, yesterday attacked and drove away development control officials who were in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, to demolish illegal structures in the area.

The officials were in the area to remove the fence of a building on Plot 416 said to belong to the Major General.

An official of the department, who narrated their ordeal said: “During the operation, there was an incident that happened at Plot 416 Sabon, Lugbe that belongs to the Major General.

“When the removal was going on, Major General got information of the removal. He sent two soldiers to his house to ascertain the situation.

“On getting to the scene, the soldiers, who drove the covered number plate vehicle blocked the way out of the house to prevent the enforcement team from coming out of the premises, threatening that somebody must die today.

“Private Jamilu (surname unknown) went straight to the caterpillar operator, cocked his rifle and pointed at the driver to come down or risk being shot immediately.

“He politely came down but was grabbed by the two soldiers, who squeezed his neck with his clothes, beating him mercilessly and tearing his shirt.

“Private Jamilu pulled his rifle and fired at the four tyres of the caterpillar which went flat. He called the Major General to come along with more soldiers for re-enforcement which he did.

“He ordered his men to take the caterpillar operator and his site officer to his house, beat them even right from outside alongside six enforcement officials, who were also taken hostage for hours.

“Three Hilux vehicles were taken to the Major General’s house while the remaining vehicles that they could not lay hands on had their tyres flattened with gunshots.

“On receiving the information, the DPO of Trademore came to the scene but the Major Gen refused to take compliments or listen to her. She left and said she would come back.