By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has said shanties in some parts of the territory were posing threat to security and must be demolished.
Speaking on Sunday when he visited the demolished phase 2 of Ruga, saying intimation and blackmail would not stopped the government from taking over the place being occupied by hoodlums.
This is coming at the sideline of outcry over the recent demolition of illegal structures around Ruga around near Wuye District, suspected to be harbouring criminals.
Wike also raised a committee which comprised of security agencies, the Director of Lands and Director, Development Control to interface with the five man delegation of Ruga community to make recommendations for the attention of government.
Meanwhile, Wike has instructed that pending the recommendations from the committee, no building should be re erected, either permanent or temporary.
Wike said “this is government land and the issue of grabbing land as alleged does not arise.
“ We want them to bring five of their leaders to meet with the committee on Tuesday. But we will not fold our hands and allow this here.
“Government has decided that we will look into the matter and come out with a final decision. No amount of blackmail, intimidation and abuses will deter us, we must do our job, it doesn’t matter who you hire, you call them civil society or who ever they are. Our interest is to protect the lives and property and to save guard Abuja to be one of the best cities in the world.”
Recall that a civil society had on Saturday mobilised the community to demonstrate against the demolition of the community.
Wike also assured that all other shanties that constitute security threats in the FCT will be demolished.
Earlier, leader of the dwellers, Abba Garo appealed to the minister to consider their plight and do something for them.
Garo told the minister that the last demolition on Friday was the 22nd time the community has been demolished.
He said that they are about 10,000 dwellers in the shanty community. He said he has been there for 37 years and that they are not claiming the land.
He said they have been giving way each time developments like the National Stadium catches up with them, so also the rail way.
“Please help give us shelter where we can stay, the Ruga community leader begged Wike.
