The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of houses in Gishiri, Katampe area of the nation’s capital.
The houses are those in the right of way of the ongoing road construction in the area.
The minister personally supervised the demolition and was furious while he addressed the community chief saying, “We gave you time.”
When some of the residents tried to resist and stop the excavators from demolishing their properties, they were dispersed with tear gas by security operatives in the Minister’s entourage.
Wike, who addressed journalists after the inspection, explained that compensation had been offered to the residents, but they turned it down, leaving the FCT Administration with no choice.
He said that even when a grace period of three months was given to them to evacuate, the residents refused to vacate their property thereby delaying the road construction.
Wike said, “I have visited this site more than four times and have engaged with community leaders and their chiefs.
“It is crucial for them to cooperate with the government so that CGC, our contractor, can complete this road by May.
“I made it clear to the traditional ruler that the work must proceed. No government will stand by while individuals undermine a project that serves the public good. I have personally come here to oversee this demolition, and I want them to understand that things have changed.
“We have provided over two to three months for them to prepare. We have also offered compensation and a resettlement plan. What more could we do?”
The Gishiri road was flagged off in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2025.
FCT: Wike supervises demolition of houses in Gishiri as residents resist
