The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of houses obstructing the ongoing road construction in Gishiri, a community under the Katampe area of Abuja.
Personally supervising the demolition on Tuesday, Wike was visibly frustrated as he confronted the community chief, stating, “We gave you time.”
His remarks suggested that affected residents had been given prior warnings to vacate the area.
Despite the warning, some residents attempted to resist the demolition, with a few trying to block the excavators from pulling down their homes. However, security operatives on-site swiftly intervened, dispersing the crowd with tear gas to allow the demolition to proceed.
Briefing journalists, the minister explained that compensation was offered to the residents, but rather than accepting it, they turned it down leaving the FCT Administration with no choice.
He also disclosed that a grace period of three months was given to them to evacuate so that the road construction could continue but instead of listening to them, they turned a deaf ear to their calls.
“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.
“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.
“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 was flagged off in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2025 to form part of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office celebration.