FCT Minister orders demolition of illegal scavengers’ colony in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of an illegal scavengers’ colony in Abuja. The colony, located behind the Minister’s Quarters in Mabushi District, was said to be a hideout for criminals and a threat to the security of the city.

The minister issued the directive on Tuesday when he inspected the area, officially known as ‘Road N12’ in Mabushi District of the FCT.

The area had been taken over by scavengers popularly known as ‘Baban Bola’, including mechanics and furniture makers. Wike said that such densities of criminals would not be allowed in the FCT. He also said that the colony was encouraged by the thick canopy of cashew trees planted by the indigenous people of the FCT for speculative purposes.

Wike warned against planting such trees in areas where the government had mapped them out for development. According to him, the government will not pay compensation for the trees.

Wike ordered the Development Control Department and the Federal Capital Development Authority to clear the entire area and take over the road for preliminary works.

“You should not compensate them. This is a hideout for criminals, and the communities should stop planting trees in the area. When they see that the government intends to develop the road, they come and plant crops for the government to pay compensation. We are not going to pay any compensation. Development Control must clear this area and chase out all these criminals. These are the kinds of things you see when people commit crimes, and then before you know it, they run down here for cover, and people will be saying, Oh, FCT is not safe. It is not a question of giving them notice. There is no notice.

The minister assured the residents of FCT that the government would do everything possible to reduce the level of crime.

Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Coordinator, Federal Capital Territory City Management Task Team, assured the minister that the area would be cleared of all structures and send the criminals packing.