Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has firmly declared that all shanties in Abuja will be demolished to safeguard the security of lives and property in the nation’s capital.
During his address to residents of a shanty village in the Wuye area of Abuja on Sunday evening, the Minister emphasized his deep concern over the security risks posed by settlements with unidentifiable occupants. He vowed not to yield to threats or blackmail from any group.
He also instructed the residents of the Wuye shanty village to select five representatives to meet with the FCT Ministry on Tuesday to discuss potential assistance.
“As you can see, we have had issues of insecurity in the FCT and the security agencies have been working 24 hours to make sure that Abuja is safe.
“We have identify areas that pose security threats, like this place that has rail-line passing through. If we allow this kind of people to be here, it is a security threat to the operation of our trains and no right thinking government will allow that.
“No government worth its salt will fold its hands and allow this place to be occupied by hoodlums or people no one can account for.
“Therefore, no amount of blackmail, intimidation or threat from any civil society organization will prevent us from doing what is right,” Wike said.
Abba Garu, speaking for the residents, revealed that the recent demolition of their shanties by the FCT administration marks the 22nd such incident, urging the government to assist them in finding permanent shelter.
He acknowledged that they had only constructed temporary structures on the land, which had remained unoccupied for years.
Garu affirmed that the occupants would not rebuild their homes as they had done in the past and expressed gratitude to the Minister for the opportunity to meet with Ministry officials to explore ways of receiving assistance.
