Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, March 11, directed the removal of houses built along the path of the ongoing road project in Gishiri, Katampe, Abuja.
Personally overseeing the operation, Wike confronted the community leader, expressing his displeasure by stating, “We gave you time.”
Some affected residents attempted to resist the demolition and blocked the excavators from proceeding. However, security personnel intervened, dispersing them with tear gas.
Addressing journalists, Wike clarified that the government had provided compensation to the residents, but they rejected the offer, leaving the administration with no option but to proceed with the demolition.
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“I have visited this location more than four times and engaged in discussions with the community leaders and traditional chiefs. Their cooperation is necessary for the contractor, CGC, to complete this project by May,” he stated.
The minister further revealed that the residents had been granted a three-month ultimatum to vacate the area, yet they refused to comply.
“I informed the traditional ruler that the project must continue. No responsible government will allow individuals to obstruct a development initiative that benefits the public.
“I personally came to oversee this exercise to send a clear message that things will no longer be business as usual,” Wike asserted.
He also criticised the community leaders for not utilising the time given to them to relocate.
“We allowed them over two to three months to prepare. Compensation and resettlement arrangements were made available. What more could we have done?” he questioned.
The Gishiri road project, initiated in October 2024, is expected to be completed by May 2025 as part of President Bola Tinubu’s second-year anniversarydevelopment agenda.