Wike Orders FCTA Officials to Dismantle Scavenger Colony

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of a scavenger colony to pave the way for the Katampe Districts of Abuja.

Shortly after the directive, security operatives and relevant FCT city managers commenced massive clearance of the area.

Scavengers, otherwise known as ‘Baban Bolas’, mechanics and furniture makers were among those badly affected by the enforcement of the directive, which involved demolition, clearance and evacuation of large cashew plantation and shanties.

Wike, who spoke during a visit to the site Tuesday, described the place as an eyesore and as a place where people commit crime and run into to take refuge.

“We will do anything possible to see we reduce the level of crime and we will not allow these people to continue, because this is an eyesore, so make sure you clear this immediately.

“It is most unfortunate what we are seeing, so there is no notice as you must chase them out now, and clear the entire place,” he said.

While fielding questions from newsmen, the Coordinator of FCT city management joint task team, Mukhtar Galadima, said the hitherto encroached area consisted of a proposed dual mode of transportation — bus and tram line — traversing the city across almost all the districts, starting from Area 1 through Garki Hospital, Social Development Secretariat, behind Ministry of Defence up to Durumi.

He lamented that a swathe of the road network straddling Mabushi and Katampe Districts had been converted into a scavenger colony.

“Looking at the situation now, due to the security challenge all over the country, the present use of the area is not conducive,” Galadima said.

He also down played suggestion of compensation for the economic trees, saying: “This is a national issue of importance, which has to do with security, which is everybody’s business. That is why we are not giving consideration for the issue of compensation. And first and foremost, let’s secure the land and the people. This is why we are moving in at the right time.

“The Minister of FCT said immediately after our clearance, the FCDA should come in and ensure that the road corridor is kept cleared to become a temporary access road, so that nobody will come and settle here again.

“So, this is the mother of all exercises as it involves demolition, clearance and evacuation.”