A Makurdi family has alleged that their home of more than 30 years was demolished in the early hours of Thursday without prior warning, adequate time to evacuate, or presentation of any warrant or proper notice.
In a public statement, Opeyemi Michael said officers of the Urban Organization of Makurdi arrived and began bringing down the building while the family scrambled to salvage their belongings. He described the structure as far more than a physical house, calling it their place of safety, a repository of memories, and a central part of their lives. The sudden action, he said, left them in pain, confusion, fear and helplessness as they watched the property destroyed with little opportunity to prepare.
While acknowledging that development and the enforcement of urban regulations are necessary, the family insisted that such exercises must follow due process, proper communication, respect for citizens’ rights and basic humanity. They questioned how a household that had occupied the same home for over three decades could be denied reasonable notice before such a drastic step was taken.
The family is now demanding justice, accountability and a thorough investigation into the demolition. They want the relevant authorities to publicly explain the legal basis and procedure followed and to put measures in place to prevent similar treatment of other residents. They also appealed to the Benue State Government, human-rights organisations, legal practitioners, the media and concerned citizens to pay attention to the matter, arguing that the issue goes beyond one family and touches on the standards of transparency and dignity that should guide government action in Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.
