Residents of the Kpaduma community in the Asokoro Extension of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to integrate them into their ancestral land rather than relocating them due to ongoing road construction projects.
Leaders of the community in a press briefing expressed appreciation for the minister’s development efforts, but insisted that affected families should be resettled within their ancestral domain, not on foreign land.
Secretary of Kpaduma community and Madaki of Kpaduma 2, Simon Baba-Yerimah, said, “We embrace development, but we appeal that our people affected by this road construction should be integrated or resettled within our ancestral home. We should not be neglected or denied our fundamental rights.”
He emphasised that the community had already identified land within its borders for the resettlement of those affected and urged the minister to fulfill his promise.
“Our minister is a man of his word. He assured us that those affected will be resettled within their ancestral land, not displaced. We trust him because he is a God-fearing leader who understands our plight,” he said.
When asked if he was worried about the road project’s impact which may lead to complete resettlement of the entire community, Baba-Yerimah responded, “We are not afraid. We want development. Twenty years ago, we were not like this. The road is for our benefit, and we trust the minister’s leadership.”
While addressing concerns about house markings in the community, Baba-Yerimah clarified, “The exercise is a demographic assessment and valuation process, not demolition. The minister wants to know how many people will be affected so they can be properly integrated or compensated.”
He confirmed that the community is part of a committee working with the FCT administration and that reports have been submitted.
Despite their concerns, the community secretary commended Wike’s performance, “He is the best FCT minister so far. In less than a year, he has transformed Abuja. We believe he will also do right by us,” Baba-Yerima said.
Also, the spokesperson for the Kpaduma community, Hon. Bala Iyah, called on the National Assembly and political leaders to intervene in their call for complete integration.
“We cannot be strangers in our own homes. We urge our representatives to sit with the minister and address our demands. The FCTA administration is not telling the minister the truth about our plight,” he said.
He warned that neglecting the indigenous people could lead to future crises. “They are sitting on a time bomb. If they do the needful now, these issues will not escalate. Our children and future generations deserve justice,” he said.
Iyah further said that the community’s natives and residents are demanding integration, not displacement, the resettlement of affected families within their ancestral land, and fair compensation, with proper valuation and compensation for properties affected by road construction.
He said that the National Assembly and FCT leaders should mediate between the community and the minister, urging transparency in FCTA and that officials should prioritise indigenous rights over personal interests.
