By Daniel Tyokua
Condemnations have continued to greet the demolition of over 134 houses in Apo by the Federal Captial Territory Administration (FCTA).
The FCT Administration, Department of Development Control at the weekend demolished illegal houses at Apo, rendering the residents homeless.
Major stakeholders have taken the Administration to the cleaner, describing the action as ill planned.
Amnesty International has condemned the demolition of houses at the NEPA Junction settlement in Apo.
The international human right group said the forced eviction was carried out with bulldozers at 3 am on Saturday, under the supervision of armed policemen who chased residents out using tear gas.
Amnesty International said property and means of livelihood of residents had been destroyed.
“No one should be in a position of increased vulnerability to #COVID19 by being rendered homeless,” Amnesty International said.
The group added that the Federal Capital Territory Authority must investigate and prosecute those responsible for this forced eviction.
It said emergency alternative accommodation and relief must also be provided for those who have been rendered homeless.
Also member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Micah Jiba said the demolition didn’t follow due process.
Jiba who is also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Area Councils And Auxiliary Matters, expressed his displeasure over the development when he visited the demolished Community on Sunday.
” This communityI am aware, has never objected to the issue of resettlement and compensation, and I am also aware that the process and negotiations are ongoing and have not been completed.
“I must say that the department of resettlement and compensation should be called to order, because it is really unfortunate that we are witnessing this kind of pathetic situation in Akpanjiya community.
“As the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on FCT Area Councils Committee and Auxiliary Matters, we are going to set up a panel to investigate the matter,” he said.
However, Malam Muktar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, while briefing newsmen after the demolition on Saturday, explained that the community had been marked for demolition since January this year.
