The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, ordered the demolition of houses along the right of way for an ongoing road construction project in Gishiri, under the Katampe area of Abuja.
Wike personally supervised the demolition exercise and, while addressing the community chief, firmly stated, “We gave you time.”
Some residents attempted to resist the demolition by blocking the excavators from pulling down their properties, but security operatives used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Speaking to journalists, Wike explained that the FCT Administration had given the residents a grace period of three months to vacate their homes and had also offered compensation. He expressed disappointment that the affected residents refused the compensation and ignored the government’s calls to evacuate.
“I have visited this site more than four times and have engaged with community leaders and their chiefs. It is crucial for them to cooperate with the government so that CGC, our contractor, can complete this road by May,” Wike said.
He stressed the importance of the project, adding, “I made it clear to the traditional ruler that the work must proceed. No government will stand by while individuals undermine a project that serves the public good. I have personally come here to oversee this demolition, and I want them to understand that things have changed.”
Wike further stated, “We have provided over two to three months for them to prepare. We have also offered compensation and a resettlement plan. What more could we do?”
The Gishiri road project was flagged off in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2025 as part of the celebration marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
