The order by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to demolish illegal structures in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, has sparked widespread reactions from residents and stakeholders.
Wike issued the directive as part of his administration’s commitment to restore Abuja’s master plan and address issues of illegal settlements across the capital city.
While some residents have expressed concerns over the potential loss of homes and businesses, others have supported the move, citing the need to tackle unregulated development and improve infrastructure in the area.
Critics argue that the government should have provided adequate notice or alternative housing options before ordering the demolition. “Many families will be displaced if this order is carried out without proper planning,” a resident said, urging the FCT authorities to adopt a more humane approach.
Supporters of the demolition, however, believe that the exercise will enhance the overall development of Abuja and reduce security risks posed by informal settlements. “This is long overdue. We need orderliness and better infrastructure in Abuja,” a local business owner commented.
Wike has defended the decision, stating that illegal structures not only violate Abuja’s urban planning but also pose safety hazards. He assured that proper procedures would be followed and promised to work with relevant agencies to ensure minimal disruption.
The planned demolition in Sabon Lugbe follows similar actions across other areas of the FCT, as the minister intensifies efforts to reclaim the city’s original blueprint.
Below are some of the reactions from Nigerians on Twitter following the demolition:
@Ekereke wrote, “Hope what happened at slaughter market in oginigba port Harcourt will not happen in Abuja?”
@Bluekels tweeted, “When you have a serial land grabber as the gatekeeper of FCT, what do you expect? A man who as governor, destroyed Civil servant quarters at old GRA just to annex the land to himself & to some to his cronies.”
@AbeEmma1 wrote, “You grab land from the investors and you build structures on the land for the Nigerian corruptible judges, what kind of bold criminalities can you call this?”
@WealthyLucky said, “He did the same thing during his tenure as Governor I see no wrong in that… Wike is working yet people keep judging his act of service there are other Ministers we haven’t heard or seen any project yet tackle those ones.”
“There’s nothing wrong in building judges’ quarters but if you have to destroy the buildings of people in possession and with titles, that’s wrong and illegal because we are all equal before the law”, @Jeffoski1 wrote.