The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, oversaw the demolition of parts of the Gishiri community in Katampe District, Abuja.
Speaking during the exercise, Wike explained that the demolition became necessary after residents failed to relocate from the affected structures, which was said to be obstructing the construction of a major road.
The minister emphasised that the FCT administration had awarded a contract for the construction of a dual carriageway linking Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway at NICON Junction to Wole Soyinka Way. The project is scheduled for completion in May.
“We have sat down with the community leaders and told them the need to cooperate with the government so the contractor can complete the project and hand it over by May,” Wike said.
He noted that despite multiple meetings and granting the residents more than three months to vacate the area, they refused to comply.
“We have done everything humanly possible, but it appears that work is not going on. Enough is enough,” the minister stressed.
According to the minister, he called the community leaders to reiterate the urgency of the demolition, during a recent trip to Milan, Italy.
“I am here personally to supervise this demolition. Let them know it is not going to be business as usual,” he stated.
The demolition however sparked tension as some aggrieved residents threw stones at bulldozer operators.
Security personnel on the scene, including the police, resorted to using teargas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Wike reaffirmed that the government would not allow the resistance of a few individuals to hinder public development.
He also directed the director of compensation and resettlement to engage with the affected community to determine the next steps.
“If they don’t want the compensation or relocation site, it is their business,” Wike added.