A community advocate, Abaji Kabir Abaji, was allegedly assaulted by one Sule Agro and members of his group on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, following his intention to organise a peaceful protest over the alleged disappearance of approximately 72 children in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of community advocates and the right of citizens to draw public attention to issues affecting their communities.
According to a formal complaint addressed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abaji Area Council Division, by Comr. Salihu Muhammad, also known as Official Ogaza, the alleged attack left Abaji Kabir Abaji with injuries to his arm, while his mobile phone was reportedly taken during the incident.
The complaint stated that the incident occurred in connection with the community advocate’s intention to stage a peaceful protest to draw attention to the plight of families affected by the reported disappearance of approximately 72 children in Abaji.
The planned protest was also reportedly intended to bring the matter to public attention during the visit of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to Abaji.
Comr. Salihu Muhammad described the alleged assault as disturbing, particularly because it involved a community advocate seeking public intervention over an issue that has generated serious concern among affected families and community members.
He called on the police to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The complainant also urged the police to take necessary steps to recover the victim’s missing mobile phone and provide adequate protection for Abaji Kabir Abaji and other community members who may face further intimidation or attacks.
He further stressed the need for the investigation to be conducted professionally, impartially and without political interference or favouritism, insisting that the identities or affiliations of those involved must not prevent the administration of justice.
The incident has also raised broader questions about the protection of citizens exercising their rights to peaceful expression, civic engagement and protest, particularly when drawing attention to matters of public concern.
Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), guarantees freedom of expression, while Section 40 provides for the right to assemble freely and associate with others. These constitutional protections operate within the limits prescribed by law, but violence and intimidation should not be used to silence peaceful civic engagement.
The complainant expressed confidence in the professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force and urged the DPO to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves.
He maintained that the alleged assault, the reported taking of the victim’s phone and any threats arising from the incident require appropriate police attention and lawful action.
The call for investigation comes amid concerns surrounding the reported disappearance of approximately 72 children in Abaji, with affected families and community members seeking answers and public intervention.
Comr. Salihu Muhammad reiterated that no citizen should be subjected to violence or intimidation for attempting to raise concerns about issues affecting the community, urging the police to ensure that justice is pursued regardless of the status, influence or affiliations of anyone implicated in the incident.
He concluded by calling for urgent police intervention to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, recover the missing phone, protect the victim and ensure accountability under the law.