Demolition in Yenagoa Bayelsa State: What Happened at the Aboki Quarters?

The demolition in Yenagoa Bayelsa State of structures at the Hausa quarters has stirred controversy, pain, and urgent questions about justice, security enforcement, and human impact. In this detailed post grounded in our on-site report from Primarald TV  we break down why the demolition happened, what residents experienced, and what young people should know about its broader implications.

Inside the Demolition in Yenagoa Bayelsa State

In the video report linked above, journalist Deborah from Primarald TV takes viewers directly to the demolished site in Yenagoa where residents and small business owners were left without homes or workplaces.

This blog post expands on that story and analyzes what really transpired straight from the voices of those affected.

What Led to the Demolition in Yenagoa Bayelsa State?

According to Muktar Danbaba, the Secretary of the Hausa community in Bayelsa State, the demolition was ordered as a security measure by the state government. Intelligence allegedly linked certain illegal activities including drug trade and handling stolen goods to a small number of individuals living in the area.

However, community leaders like Mutar Baba insist that:

• Most residents were law-abiding business owners

  
  

• They operated small local businesses such as provision stalls, Keke driving, and selling food items

  
  

• Arrests made in the past did not result in lasting prosecutions

  
  

As seen in the Primarald TV video report, these testimonies reflect deep frustration from residents who claim innocent people were negatively affected during the demolition.

Were Residents Given Prior Notice?

One of the most controversial aspects highlighted both in the video and in this blog is the claim that no advance notice was given before the demolition.

According to eyewitness accounts:

• Security forces reportedly arrived late at night

  
  

• Residents were given only a few minutes sometimes as little as five to pack their belongings

  
  

• Many people were asleep because the demolition occurred during a religious fasting period

  
  

If accurate, this raises serious questions about procedural fairness and human rights — especially considering that homes and livelihoods were taken away with little to no warning.

The Human Impact: Stories Behind the Walls

One major takeaway from the demolition in Yenagoa Bayelsa State is the human cost — beyond bricks and mortar:

• Many residents lost sleeping spaces and rooms

  
  

• Business owners were displaced

  
  

• Families were suddenly left without shelter

  
  

• Personal savings including cash and goods were reportedly lost

  
  

In the Primarald TV video, you can see families navigating life right after the demolition describing their unexpected losses and uncertainty about the future.

Addressing Ethnic Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Following the demolition, online narratives unfairly blamed the Hausa community for criminality in the state. But as community leaders emphasized in the video:

• Criminal activities should be handled by police and legal systems not used to stereotype or stigmatize entire ethnic groups

  
  

• The overwhelming majority of residents were engaged in legitimate daily trade and work

  
  

• Nigerians from all regions north and south live and do business across the country

  
  

This is an important reminder: security issues are not the same as ethnic identity, and misrepresentation can fuel discrimination and division.

What Can Be Done Now?

Several questions remain after this demolition:

• Should residents have been given advance notice?

  
  

• Could alternative approaches have targeted the actual suspects without displacing entire neighborhoods?

  
  

• How can trust be rebuilt between communities and security agencies?

  
  

Community leaders are appealing to the Bayelsa State Government to provide

alternative settlement space where law-abiding residents can continue their lives and businesses.

This story is ongoing, and Primarald TV will keep reporting updates as they develop.

Balancing Security and Human Rights

The demolition in Yenagoa Bayelsa State wasn’t just a physical event it was a human story of loss, urgency, and unanswered questions. Through this blog and the linked Primarald TV video, we hope to give readers a clear, grounded, and humanized understanding of what happened and why it matters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsB1nPbCPUY

By Deborah O.D. Igberi