In Abuja community, scavengers challenge FCT Minister Wike as shanties reappear in Kado Village post-demolition.

Residents are gradually returning to the Kado community near the Bannex Highway, close to the BUA estate in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, after the demolition of shanties in the area.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had directed the demolition of shanties along the road corridor spanning Mabushi, Jahi, and Kado districts.

Mr. Wike issued the directive during his official visit to the area, known as ‘Road N12’ in Mabushi District of the FCT, in October 2023. He deemed the colony, situated behind the Minister’s Quarters in Mabushi District, a security threat to the capital city.

The area had been occupied by scavengers, commonly referred to as ‘Baban Bola’, including mechanics and others.

Accompanied by security personnel and senior officials of the FCT Administration, the minister emphasized the need to intensify efforts to rid the city of criminal elements.

He noted that the colony was bolstered by a dense canopy of cashew trees planted by indigenous people of the FCT for speculative purposes.

Wike cautioned against planting such trees in government-designated development areas, asserting that the government would not compensate for their removal.

“You should not compensate them. This is a hideout of criminals, and the communities should stop planting trees in the area,” Wike asserted.

Wike sanctioned the demolition of over 30 slums, previously surveyed by the Federal Capital Development Authority, affecting approximately 6,000 structures, as part of measures to eradicate shanties and illegal constructions in the capital city.

He pledged strict adherence to the master plan of the FCT, expressing concerns over distortions caused by illegal structures in Abuja.

Areas earmarked for demolition included Apo Mechanic Village, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Kado village, Karu, and Kpaduma.

However, a recent visit to the Kado community revealed that the purported scavengers had commenced rebuilding and returning to the area despite Wike’s directives.

It was observed that the scavengers had established football viewing centers and bars, indicating their intention to settle permanently.