Nigeria
Protest Erupts in Abuja Over Mass Demolitions by FCT Minister Wike
Tensions rise in Abuja as protesters take to the streets over the mass demolitions carried out by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The move has sparked widespread criticism and concern among residents.
On Friday, the residents of Ruga, a community located along Airport Road in Abuja, protested against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for demolishing their homes.
It has been reported that Wike had earlier instructed a task force known as “Operation Sweep” to demolish Ruga and various other communities in the nation’s capital, aiming to eliminate perceived nuisances and criminal activities from the city.
Renowned lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, leading the demonstration alongside Vincent Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMark, stated that the demolition was executed with malicious intent.
Adeyanju expressed his concern, noting that the task force had burned numerous houses and damaged property valued at millions of naira.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to address the struggles of impoverished individuals who have been displaced from their homes in Borno and other northern states because of regional insecurity.
Adeyanju stated: “This demolition is unjustifiable. We are using this opportunity to urge the president to take into account the struggles of the displaced residents who are barely managing to survive.”
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The majority of the residents in this area were compelled to leave their homes in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe because of insecurity.
The majority are artisans striving to earn a livelihood. These demolitions are excessive, and the President must take action to stop further harassment of these individuals.
We are issuing a warning to those in government that enduring peace can only be attained if the poor are able to live peacefully. When the poor cannot rest, it impacts everyone.
Tinubu should intervene and urge Wike to cease the demolition of homes and prevent the reallocation of land to wealthy individuals.
“There is no rationale for tearing down these homes and reallocating them to wealthy individuals. The public interest cannot be prioritized here, given that the community is situated away from the main road.”
Otse expressed his concerns by saying, “This is unusual. The consequences will significantly impact Abuja. This demolished area isn’t close to the main road, and now these people are left homeless during a time of hardship in the country.”
It is disheartening to see people being evicted without compensation, highlighting the belief among some of the elite that those who are less fortunate do not belong in society.
