Kehinde Fajobi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed his commitment to removing shanties in Abuja to improve security across the capital.
Speaking to residents of a shanty settlement in the Wuye area on Sunday evening, Wike highlighted the security risks posed by informal settlements, where residents are often unidentifiable.
He also made clear that threats or criticism would not deter the government from addressing these concerns.
He invited representatives of the Wuye settlement to discuss assistance options with FCT Ministry officials, asking the residents to select five individuals for a meeting on Tuesday.
Addressing the security risks, Wike explained, “We have had issues of insecurity in the FCT, and the security agencies have been working 24 hours to make sure that Abuja is safe.
“We have identified areas that pose security threats, like this place with a rail-line passing through. If we allow this kind of people to be here, it is a security threat to the operation of our trains, and no right-thinking government will allow that.”
Wike stressed the government’s resolve, stating, “No government worth its salt will fold its hands and allow this place to be occupied by hoodlums or people no one can account for.
“Therefore, no amount of blackmail, intimidation, or threat from any civil society organisation will prevent us from doing what is right.”
Abba Garu, a representative of the shanty residents, acknowledged that their homes were temporary structures erected on vacant land and noted this was the 22nd time such settlements had been demolished.
He urged the government to provide assistance with shelter.
Garu expressed appreciation for the Minister’s outreach, saying the residents would not attempt to rebuild and looked forward to working with the Ministry on finding solutions.