By Daniel Tyokua
All is not well at Lugbe community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over alleged invasion and demolition of structures by Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, management of River Park Estate.
Checks in the area reveal that there is growing tension by aggrieved residents of the community popularly known as Committee on Roadside Development (CRD) Lugbe One, who involved in the conflict with estate management, insisting to take law into their hands if authorities concerned refuse to take appropriate actions.
The AUTHORITY gathered that the alleged invasion and demolition of fences and other structures began last Wednesday,after owners of the houses have gone to their various offices.
The residents of CRD had, on several occasions, staged peaceful protest to the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to lodge complaints over the land dispute.
In a separate interview with some of the residents, they complained of government not paying attention to resolve the tussle once and for all.
They alleged that the estate management was using Police to intimidate and threaten them, saying if immediate action was not taken, it might snowball to chaos.
One of the residents, Mrs. Yinka Adeife, retiree, said that she committed her pension on the project, wondering why the estate management would demolish it.
Also Mr. Lawal Omoniyi, said:”We will retaliate if government refuses to help us. We will be forced to respond aggressively if nothing is done to stop this monster. He has resumed demolition of properties, pulling down houses claiming he is helping Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to create roads.
“We appeal to the FCT authorities to look into our matter. We have duly signed acknowledgement copies of letter ssent to the government.” He added.
Others who spoke corroborated Omoniyi’ views, vowing to resist any attempt to bring their buildings down.
When contacted, the Corporate Office of Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, management of River Park Estate headed by Mr. Paul Odili, one of his staff, one Bisi Apata, who responded, said he could only attend to a guest who had earlier booked an appointment with him.
She therefore promised to respond via phone but never did till the time of filling this report.
