FCT Residents Urge Tinubu to Halt Wike’s Demolition Plans
Residents of the Ruga Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in halting further demolitions directed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The appeal comes after the FCT Administration’s Special Ministerial Task Team demolished makeshift structures in the community on Wednesday, displacing thousands.
During the operation, structures built with sacks, scrap roofing, and wooden planks were destroyed, reportedly to clear illegal settlements obstructing a rail corridor for the Abuja Metro Line. Speaking at the scene, FCT Mandate Secretary for Security, Adamu Gwary, stated that the structures encroached on private plots and posed security risks to rail users.
However, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer representing the affected residents, criticised the demolitions, which he stated would impact over 15,000 residents. “Many of the residents here are those displaced by insecurity from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Zamfara,” Adeyanju said. “They contribute significantly to Abuja’s community by working as builders, painters, and shoemakers. There is no justification for these demolitions.”
He further called on Tinubu to consider the plight of the struggling residents, cautioning that driving the poor from their homes only to reallocate land to wealthier individuals would have negative repercussions. “The only way the ruling elite can sleep is when the poor can sleep,” he remarked.
Social media activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, echoed these concerns, warning of social consequences. “The repercussions of something like this will cost us a lot,” he said. “When people are displaced, it fuels desperation and could lead to crime. The poor people are your brothers and sisters.”
Residents expressed their grievances by holding placards reading “Wike, stop demolishing our house and giving it to your friends,” “Stop demolitions,” and “Wike, the land grabber.” Tincan Island Customs Hits Record N1.04 Trillion Revenue
