Residents of the Abattoir (Abatuwa) community in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, have expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the demolition of several homes allegedly ordered by the outgoing chairman, Abu Giri, for a road construction project that has yet to materialize.
In a recent Facebook post that has generated significant attention among community members, Musa Idris Danjuma (MID), a 2025 President Award winner and concerned resident, accused the council leadership of deceiving the people of the Abattoir area after many houses were demolished along the stretch from Abattoir Junction to Quintessence Academy.
According to Danjuma, the demolitions were carried out on the claim that a road would be constructed to improve access in the community, especially during the rainy season when the area becomes difficult to navigate.
He said the decision left many families homeless and emotionally devastated.
“Residents whose houses were marked for demolition had to painfully pull down their own homes with their bare hands just to salvage some useful items before the excavators arrived,” Danjuma wrote. “Many could not hold back their tears as they watched years of sacrifice and hard work disappear within moments.”
The affected residents explained that for many of them, building their homes had represented a long-awaited escape from the burden of paying rent. However, the demolitions forced several former homeowners back into tenancy, while others reportedly returned to their villages after losing their houses.
Danjuma stated that contractors were briefly seen at the site shortly after the demolitions, raising hopes that the destruction would lead to the promised development. However, the work reportedly stopped almost immediately, leaving the road untouched.
Residents say the road is a critical link between the Abattoir community and the main town and becomes particularly important during the rainy season when flooding and poor road conditions limit movement.
“As concerned residents, we understood the importance of the road and even raised our voices to support its construction,” Danjuma added. “But instead of action, we were met with hostility from some defenders of the administration.”
He further alleged that community members were given assurances and even specific dates when contractors would resume work, but those promises were never fulfilled.
Now, with the chairman’s administration coming to an end, residents say the road remains unconstructed, leaving them with what they describe as the destruction of their homes, hopes, and dignity without any visible development or compensation.
The development has sparked renewed discussions among residents and community stakeholders about accountability in local governance and the impact of demolition exercises on vulnerable communities.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the office of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman regarding the allegations raised by residents.
Community members continue to call on relevant authorities to investigate the matter and address the plight of families who lost their homes during the demolition exercise.
— Chronicles Reporters