The Kpaduma community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to disregard statements claiming that previous administrations have compensated and relocated community members.
The natives called on the FCT minister to integrate them into the Abuja master plan as adequate compensation for their suffering over the years and not be removed from their ancestral land to a strange land, all in the name of relocation.
Yesterday, the spokesperson for the Kpaduma community, Hon. Bala Iyah, held a press conference to emphasise the community‘s longstanding presence and connection to its homes.
The community natives expressed their concerns following Wike‘s statement about recent demolitions in Gishiri, in which he alleged that residents of the Kpaduma community had been compensated two decades ago.
“First and foremost, we want to state that the Honorable Minister is one of us, as he lives among us here in the Kpaduma community, and we are happy and proud to be his host community.
„The first point we want to react to is the statement made by the minister when he mentioned our community and stated that we have been compensated about 20 years ago. We want to say here and now that we have never been compensated or relocated by any administration,“ he said.
Iyah acknowledged that while Wike lives among them and has set up a committee to address their issues, he may not have been accurately informed about the compensation history.
The natives also underscored the legal aspects concerning road corridors, asserting that any affected residents should receive adequate compensation and be relocated within the community rather than receiving insufficient payments that fail to support their housing needs.
„The second issue raised by the Honorable Minister, which we need to address, is the issue of road corridors. We want to state that when a road corridor affects the houses of any indigene, they should not only be compensated but also relocated to another building within their community.
„That is the position of the law, and as a lawyer, the Honorable Minister should know better. You cannot demolish a house belonging to an indigene and provide a ridiculous sum as compensation that cannot even pay their rent for one year,“ he said.
The natives, while stressing their status as law-abiding citizens, disclosed that they had a court injunction preventing any demolitions in their area.
They reiterated their commitment to the community‘s development while maintaining that due process must be followed to protect residents‘ rights.
While appreciating recent developments initiated by Wike, the natives stated that they remain hopeful for a favourable resolution while firmly opposing any illegal actions regarding their properties.
They expressed gratitude for the minister‘s efforts and called for continued adherence to the rule of law.
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