Demolitions in Abuja have continued, with over 20,000 structures being razed in 2024, sparking widespread outrage among residents.
Victims of the demolitions claim the exercise is adding to their suffering, leaving many homeless.
The FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, has defended the demolitions, stating they are necessary to uphold the Abuja Master Plan.
However, residents affected by the demolitions have expressed anger, calling the actions ill-timed and harsh.
The Department of Development Control, headed by Tpl. Mukhtar Usman Galadima, confirmed the figures, stating the demolitions target illegal structures.
Many of these properties were built without the required approvals, according to Galadima, in an effort to combat land grabbers.
Some property owners, including those at Sabon Lugbe, claim they were unfairly targeted despite having legal documentation for their properties.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been at the center of these disputes, with accusations of human rights violations.
Residents have described the demolitions as “wicked” and “heavy-handed,” particularly as many were given no prior notice.
Despite these protests, Wike remains firm, stating that the demolitions are necessary for city planning and development.
The recent destruction of homes in the Ruga settlement has also drawn intense criticism.
Displaced residents have lamented the lack of compensation or relocation plans, which has exacerbated their struggles.
Local activists, including lawyer Deji Adeyanju, have called for accountability, demanding that Wike’s administration be held responsible for the hardships caused.
The ongoing demolition efforts have escalated tensions between the FCT authorities and native communities.
In response, several community leaders have vowed to invoke ancestral powers against officials they believe are abusing their authority.
Despite these challenges, the FCT Minister has repeatedly stated that the demolitions will continue, regardless of the growing protests.
