.jpeg "Wike directs the destruction of an Abuja scavengers' colony.")
The directive was issued by Governor Wike during his official visit to the Mabushi District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), specifically the region referred to as 'Road N12', on Tuesday in Abuja.
The individual characterized the colony, situated in the vicinity of the Minister's Quarters within the Mabushi District, as a potential "menace" to the city's security.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the region in question has been occupied by individuals commonly referred to as 'Baban Bola', who primarily consist of scavengers, mechanics, and furniture craftsmen.
The minister, accompanied by a team consisting of security forces and top officials of the FCT Administration, emphasized the intention to intensify measures in order to eliminate criminal elements from the city.
According to his statement, the establishment of criminal hubs within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would not be permitted.
According to his statement, the establishment of the colony was further facilitated by the presence of a dense cashew tree canopy, deliberately cultivated by the indigenous population of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for speculative motives.
Wike cautioned against the cultivation of such trees in regions earmarked by the government for developmental purposes.
Based on his statement, it is asserted that the government will not provide financial restitution for the trees.
Wike issued instructions to the Development Control Department and the Federal Capital Development Authority to undertake the task of clearing the entire area and conducting a survey of the road for first preparations.
It is not advisable to provide compensation to them. The present location serves as a refuge for those engaged in illicit activities, and it is advisable for local communities to refrain from growing trees within this vicinity.
Upon seeing the government's intention to embark on road development, individuals proceed to cultivate crops with the expectation of receiving recompense from the government. There are no plans to provide any form of compensation.
The Development Control authority is responsible for ensuring the clearance of this region and the removal of all individuals engaged in illicit activities.
These are the types of incidents where individuals engage in criminal activities and afterwards seek refuge in this location, leading to assertions that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) lacks safety.
The matter does not pertain to providing them with prior notification. There is a lack of notification. The individual expressed the necessity of promptly removing them from the premises and thoroughly evacuating the surrounding vicinity.
The minister provided reassurance to the citizens of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the administration is committed to employing all available measures in order to mitigate the prevalence of criminal activities.
Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Coordinator, Federal Capital Territory City Management Task Team, informed the minister that the area will be stripped of all buildings and send the criminals packing.
According to Galadima, who holds the position of Director in the Department of Development Control, the planned plan for the area involves the establishment of a transit road network that spans across various districts within the city.
According to his statement, the region has been transformed into a settlement by scavengers, who have provided refuge for various criminal elements.
Given the prevailing security concerns throughout the nation, it is imperative that the perpetration of such illicit actions be promptly and unequivocally halted.
Therefore, the prioritization of securing the location necessitates our decision to not allocate any attention towards remuneration.
According to the speaker, after the area has been cleared, the FCDA would promptly initiate its operations, ensuring that no more settlement occurs thereafter.