The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken decisive action against unlawful encampments near the National Park and National Military Cemetery along Airport Road in Abuja.
The operation, carried out by the Special Ministerial Task Team known as “Operation Sweep,” targeted the settlement dubbed Ruga, resulting in the destruction and burning of numerous makeshift shanties constructed from sacks, wooden planks, and scrap roofing materials along the railway corridor.
The initiative, led by Olatunji Disu, the commissioner of Police in the FCT, and directed by Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, aims to eliminate various nuisances and combat criminal activities in the capital.
Following the demolition, FCT’s director of the Security Service Department, Adamu Gwari, emphasised that the Ruga settlement was noted for its shanties and unauthorized structures built on privately owned plots.
Gwari, represented by the FCT Command and Control Centre secretary, Peter Olumuji, expressed concerns about the security risks posed by these illegal structures, particularly their proximity to the rail corridor, which could endanger passengers utilizing the Abuja Metro Line.
“We have witnessed incidents of vandalism along the rail tracks. Thus, dismantling these illegal structures is vital for enhancing security along the corridor,” he stated.
To prevent the return of illegal occupants, Gwari mentioned that Minister Wike had alerted plot owners to either develop their properties promptly or face revocation of their land allocations.
“Many plot owners have complained about their inability to access their lands due to the presence of shanties and criminal elements. Some have tried to reclaim their plots but faced attacks from these illegal inhabitants.
“With the area now cleared, we encourage them to take possession and start development without delay,” he said.
In response to the demolition, Ibrahim Yusuf, a long-time resident who identifies as the Secretary of the displaced community, voiced concerns over their lack of alternative housing options, asserting that affordable accommodation in the FCT is out of reach.
He indicated that the community has faced demolition over twenty times yet consistently returned to rebuild.
“They keep telling us that we are living illegally and must leave, but we have nowhere else to go, and we are not prepared to leave Abuja.
“We are appealing to the FCTA for resettlement assistance; we are willing to comply with any conditions the administration may impose,” he said.
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