Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Tuesday ordered the demolition of the scavengers’ colony along the road corridor cutting across Mabushi, Jahi and Kado Districts.
Wike, while giving the order in Abuja when he visited the area, officially known as ‘Road N12’ in the Mabushi District of the FCT, described the colony, located behind the Minister’s Quarters in Mabushi District, as a “threat” to the security of the city.
The area had been taken over by scavengers popularly known as ‘Baban Bola’, including mechanics and furniture makers.
The minister, accompanied by a combined team of security personnel and senior officials of the FCT Administration, said efforts would be heightened to rid the city of criminal elements, adding that such dens of criminals would not be allowed in the FCT.
He said, “You should not compensate them. This is a hideout for criminals, and the communities should stop planting trees there.
“When they see that the government intends to develop the road, they come and plant crops for the government to pay compensation. We are not going to do any compensation.
“The Development Control must clear this area, chase out all these criminals.
“These are the kind of things you see that people commit crimes, and then before you know it, they run down here for cover, and people will be saying, oh, FCT is not safe.
“It is not a question of giving them notice. There is no notice. You must chase them out now and clear the entire area,” he said.