The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has supervised the demolition of houses in the Gishiri, Katampe area of Abuja, as part of efforts to advance the ongoing road construction project.
Wike, who personally led the operation, expressed frustration at the delay caused by the affected residents, stating that they had been given ample time to vacate. Addressing the community chief, he remarked sternly, “We gave you time.”
Despite prior warnings, some residents attempted to resist the demolition by obstructing the excavators.
Security operatives accompanying the minister swiftly intervened, dispersing the protesters with tear gas to restore order.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, Wike explained that compensation and relocation plans had been offered to the affected residents, but they refused to comply.
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He lamented that their reluctance to move had significantly slowed down the progress of the road project.
“I have visited this site more than four times and engaged with the community leaders. We gave them over three months to prepare, yet they refused to leave. This project is crucial, and CGC, our contractor, must complete it by May. No government will allow individuals to stand in the way of development,” Wike stated.
The Gishiri road construction project was flagged off in October 2024 and is scheduled for completion in May 2025.