Abuja Demolitions: Residents Rise Against Wike's ‘Operation Sweep’

Abuja Residents Rise Up: “Wike, the Land Grabber” - Protest Against Mass Demolitions

“There is no justification for this demolition. We are using this medium to appeal to the president to consider...”

Residents in Abuja are taking to the streets to protest against Minister Nyesom Wike's mass demolition of houses, which they claim is a form of land grabbing. The protesters, including human rights activists, are condemning Wike's administration for taking land from innocent residents. This move has left many people displaced and without homes.

Abuja residents are taking to the streets to protest against the mass demolition of properties, dubbed “Operation Sweep,” ordered by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The demolitions have affected numerous settlements, including Ruga along Airport Road, leaving many residents without homes.

Protest Highlights:

Demolition of 6,000 Homes: Allegations suggest that up to 6,000 houses across 30 settlements are targeted for demolition, sparking widespread outrage.

Resident Displacement: Many residents have been left homeless, with concerns about compensation and relocation.

Government Response: The FCT Minister's office denies claims of large-scale demolitions, calling them “entirely false.”

The protests reflect growing tensions between residents and the authorities, with many questioning the motives behind the demolitions. Stay updated for more information on this developing story.

Residents of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road in Abuja, took to the streets today to protest the demolition of their homes, ordered by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The demolition is part of “Operation Sweep,” Wike's initiative to clear perceived nuisances and communities associated with criminal activities within the nation's capital.

Protest leaders, including prominent lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju and Vincent Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMark, condemned the demolition, alleging it was carried out with harmful intent. The protesters are likely concerned about the impact of the demolition on their livelihoods and the community's well-being.

Points About the Protest:

Location: Ruga settlement, Airport Road, Abuja

Reason: Demolition of homes ordered by Minister Nyesom Wike

Operation Sweep: Initiative to clear problematic communities in the capital

Protest Leaders: Deji Adeyanju and Vincent Martins Otse (VeryDarkMark)

Adeyanju has expressed strong concerns over the devastating operation, where a task force not only demolished homes but also set many ablaze, resulting in millions of naira in property losses. He's urging President Bola Tinubu to step in and address the dire situation, emphasizing the immense hardship faced by displaced residents who had already fled insecurity in Borno and other northern states.

These vulnerable individuals, having escaped conflict zones, now find themselves struggling to survive amidst the demolitions. Adeyanju stressed that the government must prioritize their welfare, ensuring they receive adequate support and protection during this challenging time. The plight of these residents cannot be ignored, and it's crucial that their needs are met to prevent further suffering.

Concerns:

Demolition and Arson: Homes destroyed and set ablaze, causing massive financial losses

Displacement and Hardship: Residents forced to flee, struggling to cope with the aftermath

Government Accountability: Adeyanju's call for President Tinubu's intervention to prioritize residents' welfare

Adeyanju's appeal highlights the pressing need for compassionate governance, particularly in times of crisis. By amplifying the voices of those affected, we can work towards finding solutions that balance development with the well-being of all citizens.

“There is no justification for this demolition. We are using this medium to appeal to the president to consider the plight of the displaced residents, who are barely surviving.” he said.

“Most of the residents here were forced out of their homes in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe due to insecurity.

“Most of them are artisans trying to make a living. These demolitions are excessive, and Mr President needs to act to prevent further harassment of the people.

“We are sounding a warning to those in government that peace is only achievable if the poor are allowed to live peacefully. When the poor cannot sleep, it affects everyone.

“Tinubu should call Wike to order and stop him from demolishing people's homes and reallocating the land to rich people.

“There is no justification demolishing these homes for and allocating them to the rich. There is no overriding public interest here because the community is far from the main road.”

This demolition is unjustifiable. The consequences will severely impact Abuja. The affected area is not even adjacent to the main road, yet innocent residents have been left homeless amidst Nigeria's prevailing economic hardship.

However, Wike has denied allegations that he plans to demolish 6,000 houses across 30 settlements in Abuja. He made this statement during a visit to the Metro Train Station in Abuja, where he was inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transport System.

The protests highlight the tension between residents and the authorities, with many questioning the motives behind the demolitions. It's a complex issue, with concerns about displacement, land rights, and the impact on the community.

Key Concerns:

Displacement and Homelessness: Many residents have lost their homes due to the demolitions.

Land Rights: Protesters claim the demolitions are a form of land grabbing.

Community Impact: The demolitions could have a significant impact on the community's well-being.