Residents in the Lugbe area of Abuja have expressed their outrage over the alleged demolition of homes by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, without any prior notification.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, several affected individuals voiced their grievances, highlighting the abrupt nature of the demolitions. One resident stated, “We noticed the development control officials arrived, and suddenly they began tearing down houses. There was no warning or communication; we only heard that the Minister had taken an interest in the area, and orders were given to remove any existing structures.”
Another resident pointed out the existence of a layout that had been approved by the director of development control. “We don’t understand why this is happening. They previously demolished structures in Centenary City, and despite 14 years of waiting for relocation, nothing has materialized. If they wish to enforce a layout, they can do so in a month.”
Victims of the demolition described how the process deviated from the usual protocol of providing advance notice. “They marked a few houses on Wednesday, and by Thursday, they arrived with machinery to demolish them. Typically, we receive one, two, or even three notices, but this time there was none. When we sought clarification, they refused to engage and instead deployed police officers who fired tear gas at us. One officer even threatened to shoot me.”
The residents expressed frustration over the intimidation they faced regarding land ownership. “We acquired this land through proper channels, yet they intimidate us with claims that it belongs to AMAC. I don’t understand why we are constantly threatened with AMAC references,” another resident remarked.
“They say if you can pay the right price at development control, you’ll get approval; otherwise, you won’t. The very director behind this demolition owns properties in these estates, and if you don’t offer him land, he won’t grant you approval,” a resident added.
Another individual affected by the demolitions insisted that all due processes were followed when purchasing their lands. “I own land here, and some of those affected are currently hospitalized. What they are doing to us is unjust. This is where I have invested all my savings. Many people will lose their jobs if this continues.”
“They are punishing us without adhering to proper procedures. If you mark an area for demolition, you must provide sufficient time for us to respond. Why mark a location one day and destroy it the next without notice?” another affected resident questioned.
It’s worth noting that Minister Wike previously instructed the military to take control of Sabon Lugbe amid accusations that property owners were obstructing a demolition operation ordered by the Federal Capital Territory. Under Wike’s administration, there has been a series of demolitions in the capital, with increasing calls from various groups for these actions to cease.
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