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Residents of Durumi, one of Abuja’s fast-growing suburban communities, were thrown into confusion and uncertainty on Saturday as officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) began demolition of structures in some parts of the area.
The operation, which affected residential buildings, commercial premises and other structures, left many occupants struggling to recover their belongings while others watched helplessly as bulldozers demolished the properties.
Several affected residents complained that the demolition had rendered families homeless and disrupted livelihoods, and many called on the federal government and the FCT administration to provide immediate relief for those displaced by the operation.
Eyewitnesses said the operation attracted a large crowd of residents and onlookers, as security personnel accompanied demolition teams to maintain order during the exercise.
Residents’ concerns
Some residents described the development as devastating, saying many families were left without shelter and face an uncertain future.
According to them, the demolition not only affected homes but also small businesses that served as a source of income for many families in the community.
They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to consider the humanitarian implications of the operation and provide relief measures for those affected.
The FCTA’s position
The demolition comes amid the FCTA-backed campaign against illegal settlements, unauthorized developments and locations identified by security agencies as potential criminal hideouts within the Federal Capital Territory.
The administration consistently argued that some settlements along the Durumi axis had become centers of criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, car thefts and operations by casual syndicates.
FCTA officials also argued that illegal occupation of land in some parts of the area has hampered infrastructure development and prevented rightful allottees from taking possession of their properties.
History of demolition exercises in Durumi
Durumi has witnessed similar enforcement activities in recent years as authorities sought to address security concerns and restore compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
Government officials have previously cited intelligence reports and security operations that have uncovered criminal activity within some informal settlements in the district, leading to renewed efforts to remove the illegal structures.
The area has also been at the center of controversies regarding land use, urban development and the resettlement of affected residents.
He asks for intervention
As demolition continues, affected residents are calling for urgent government intervention, including temporary housing, humanitarian assistance and compensation where applicable.
They urged authorities to take measures that can balance urban development goals with the well-being of innocent residents who were displaced by the operation.
Many residents expressed hope that the federal government and the FCTA would engage stakeholders and provide support aimed at mitigating difficulties resulting from the demolition.
