Land Grabbing Crisis: Abuja Residents Call on Wike for Intervention

Wike to the Rescue? Lugbe Residents Seek Help Against Land Grabbers

“We are not land grabbers, we are developers. We have papers...”

Lugbe Residents, FCT Minister Wike Clash Over Land Ownership | Abuja News

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, recently visited the Lugbe area in Abuja, where residents have been protesting against land grabbing and property demolition. During his visit on Tuesday, October 22, Wike expressed frustration with the residents, who had resisted the demolition of their properties.

In a tense confrontation, Wike, accompanied by security personnel, emphasized the importance of following proper procedures for legally acquiring land. He addressed the residents directly, aiming to quell the tensions and establish clarity on the issue. However, it's worth noting that the residents of CRD Layout 1 Lugbe had previously called on Wike to intervene and protect them from alleged land grabbers. They claimed that these individuals were attempting to dispossess them of their rightful properties.

Pointers:

Minister's Visit: Nyesom Wike visited Lugbe area on October 22 to address land grabbing and demolition concerns.

Resident Protests: Residents resisted property demolition, prompting Wike's visit.

Proper Procedures: Wike emphasized the importance of following legal procedures for land acquisition.

Previous Appeals: Residents had earlier sought Wike's intervention against alleged land grabbers.

“It cannot work. You cannot come to a place and seize land and say it is your own. We will not allow that. If not for lawlessness,” the minister said in a raspy tone.

“If you do not know what to do, we will teach you what to do.”

The residents strongly contested Minister Nyesom Wike's claims, producing documents they believed proved their rightful ownership of the disputed land. Essentially, they're saying, “We have the papers to back up our claims of legal ownership.”

“We are not land grabbers, we are developers. We have papers. We have submitted these papers to the authorities,” they chorused. This statement triggered Wike's anger, prompting him, in frustration, to angrily ask the resident to keep quiet.

“Every land in the FCT belongs to the FCT. The Supreme Court said the area councils do not have that power to allot land. And that was why the area councils came to us to grant them that request.

“The only thing you can do is go to court. If you like harass us. I will not settle you because you have taken laws into your hands.

“Who told you you can talk? Is it because I came down to talk to you? If you think that you take something, you are not the only one. Be careful. Stupid.”

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has been cracking down on properties that violate the city's master plan, leading to a series of demolitions. According to Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control at the FCTA, these buildings were unlawfully constructed by individuals accused of land grabbing. This issue of land grabbing is not new, as Minister Nyesom Wike revealed in March that some FCDA officials had illegally allocated land to private individuals and developers before he took office.

Minister Wike has been vocal about his commitment to enforcing the FCT master plan, even if it means making tough decisions. He emphasized that buildings constructed for residential purposes cannot be converted to commercial use without proper authorization, and those that do will face demolition or loss of certificate. Wike also stressed that ethnic and religious considerations should not hinder development in areas like Abuja, and that decisive leadership is necessary to ensure orderly development.

The FCT Administration's efforts to maintain the integrity of the master plan are crucial for the capital city's growth and development. By addressing these violations, the government aims to prevent chaos and ensure that the city's expansion is planned and organized. The recent demolitions and investigations into land grabbing are steps towards achieving this goal.

“Every year, we have no less than 1,000 suits, and all these require a lot of money. As we speak today, we have more than 600 judgments on FCT,” he said.