Residents of the FCT have urgently appealed to Minister Nyesom Wike to halt the demolition of their rural communities until proper compensation and settlement arrangements are made.
The plea follows the demolition of around 100 homes in Kpaduma II village, Guzape District, on September 4, which occurred without prior notice. The Madaki of Kpaduma II, Simon Baba-Yerima, expressed dismay that a government they have consistently supported is now neglecting their rights.
Baba-Yerima stated, “It is on record that there is a court injunction preventing any development or demolition in our community until the case is resolved. It is troubling that a government that should uphold the rule of law is now violating it.”
He continued, “We appeal to Mr. Wike, a lawyer himself, to respect the court’s injunction and cease further demolitions in our communities. As long-standing citizens of Abuja, we deserve dignity and respect.”
The demolition has exacerbated the residents’ hardships amid Nigeria’s ongoing socio-economic challenges.
Similarly, Chief Bitrus Yakubu, the District Head of Guzape, reported that on Tuesday at about 10 a.m., FCDA officials arrived to mark houses for demolition without prior notice.
Yakubu described the scene: “They arrived with a large contingent of armed security personnel and bulldozers, targeting nearly 200 homes. The occupants, mostly locals, are now homeless. When we inquired, they said the order came from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.”
He added, “We are perplexed why the minister would authorize such demolitions, given his previous work in Rivers State where he did not disturb villages. We respect the progress he’s making in the FCT but urge him to reconsider his approach here.”
