FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the demolition of houses in Gishiri, Abuja, citing residents' refusal to vacate despite warnings. Security operatives dispersed protesters with tear gas. Wike insisted compensation was offered and stressed the project's importance for infrastructure development. The road is set for completion by May 2025.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has overseen the demolition of houses in Gishiri, Abuja, as part of an ongoing road construction project. The affected residents had reportedly ignored multiple eviction notices and a grace period of three months.
During the exercise, Wike confronted local leaders, expressing disappointment in their refusal to vacate despite prior engagements. "We gave you time," he declared, emphasizing that the government had made efforts to negotiate, including offering compensation and resettlement options.
Some residents attempted to resist the demolition by blocking the excavators, but security operatives swiftly intervened, dispersing them with tear gas. Wike insisted that infrastructure projects cannot be stalled by individual interests, reaffirming that the road construction must proceed as scheduled.
He further explained that the road project, which commenced in October 2024, is a crucial part of the FCT’s development agenda and is expected to be completed by May 2025. The minister urged residents to cooperate with government initiatives aimed at improving public infrastructure.
The demolition has sparked reactions, with some residents accusing the government of unfair treatment despite Wike’s claims of due process. However, the FCT administration maintains that the evictions were necessary to ensure the timely completion of the project.
