The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to continue the government’s demolition activities in Ruga, despite resistance from civil society and community members.
Speaking late Sunday after personally visiting the recently demolished Ruga community near Wuye district, Wike dismissed allegations of land-grabbing and declared that government action would not be hindered by “intimidation or blackmail.”
Wike drove almost a kilometre through rough, dusty terrain to reach the shantytown, where he addressed the residents, many of whom have been displaced since the demolition on Friday.
During his address, he announced the establishment of a seven-member committee composed of security agencies, the Director of Lands, and the Director of Development Control.
This committee will collaborate with a five-person delegation of Ruga community leaders to draft recommendations for government consideration.
In the interim, Wike issued a directive barring any reconstruction, whether permanent or temporary, within the community until the committee’s recommendations are reviewed.
Speaking in pidgin English, Wike noted that the land belongs to the government and reiterated the need to preserve Abuja as one of the world’s finest cities.
“We want them to bring five of their leaders to meet with the committee on Tuesday. But we will not fold our hands and allow this here,” Wike stated.
“Government has decided that we will look into the matter and come out with a final decision. No amount of blackmail, intimidation, and abuses will deter us; we must do our job. It doesn’t matter who you hire — you call them civil society or whoever they are. Our interest is to protect lives, property, and safeguard Abuja.”
The visit came a day after civil society groups mobilised community members to protest the demolition. Wike assured that other shanties posing security threats across the FCT would also be removed.
Abba Garo, a spokesperson for the displaced residents, pleaded with the minister to consider their plight.
Garo explained that the latest demolition marked the 22nd time the settlement had been razed, noting that he has lived there for 37 years and that the community does not claim ownership of the land.
With around 10,000 people residing in Ruga, Garo shared the community’s willingness to vacate when development projects like the National Stadium or railway expansion encroach on their space.
“Please help give us shelter where we can stay,” Garo appealed to Wike.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now