The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to continue the campaign to cleanse Abuja of illegal settlements, affirming that no protest will deter his efforts to sanitize the nation’s capital.
His statement follows recent public outcry over the demolition of the Ruga settlement along Airport Road in Lugbe.
The demolition, carried out by the FCT task force, “Operation Sweep,” was executed on Wike’s orders last week, sparking protests.
The operation reportedly involved the burning of homes and destruction of property, which has led to accusations of excessive force by protesters, including activist Deji Adeyanju.
Adeyanju criticized the operation, arguing that it inflicted severe hardship on the residents. “There is no justification for this demolition. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider the plight of the displaced residents, who are barely surviving,” Adeyanju stated, voicing concerns about the task force’s approach.
However, during his visit to the demolished settlement on Sunday, Minister Wike, accompanied by top security officials, reiterated his commitment to the clearance drive.
Addressing the affected residents, he emphasized that the Ruga settlement posed a security risk that the government could not ignore, especially due to its proximity to a critical rail corridor.
Wike asserted that “no amount of blackmail or protest” would halt the exercise, stressing that the government is focused on maintaining safety in Abuja.
The minister acknowledged the residents’ grievances and extended an olive branch, inviting five representatives to meet with the FCTA Secretariat for discussions on potential assistance.
The residents’ spokesperson, Abba Garu, pleaded with the minister to consider their plight, sharing that many had lived in the area for over 35 years.
Garu disclosed that approximately 10,000 people were affected, with all their property and livelihoods destroyed, and expressed willingness to relocate if provided with an alternative settlement.
