- FCT Minister Wike asserts demolition of illegal settlements in Abuja will continue despite protests, citing security concerns and illegal occupation
- Activist Deji Adeyanju leads protests against demolitions, appealing to President Tinubu to consider the hardship faced by displaced residents
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has asserted that the ongoing efforts to clear illegal settlements in Abuja will continue despite public outcry.
Following last week’s demolition of the Ruga settlement along Airport Road in Lugbe, the operation has faced significant backlash, with activist Deji Adeyanju leading protests against the government’s tactics.
Adeyanju argued that the demolition, executed by the FCT task force “Operation Sweep,” displaced residents and destroyed property worth millions.
“There is no justification for this demolition,” Adeyanju stated, appealing to President Bola Tinubu to consider the hardship facing those affected.
In response, Wike and top security officials visited the site on Sunday to assess the situation. Addressing the displaced residents, he maintained that the demolition would not be halted, citing security concerns and the illegal nature of the settlement, particularly along the rail corridor.
The Minister emphasized that “no amount of blackmail or protest” would influence the decision, underscoring that the settlement posed a security risk that no responsible government would ignore.
During the visit, Wike invited five representatives of the affected residents to meet with officials at the FCTA Secretariat to discuss potential support options.
The victims’ spokesperson, Abba Garu, explained that the demolition affected around 10,000 people, many of whom had lived there for 35 years. He urged the minister to consider alternative accommodations for those displaced and expressed his willingness to relocate if necessary.