In a decisive move against criminal activities, the Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has emphasized the need to demolish all areas suspected to be havens for criminals in the territory. This announcement was made during a site inspection for the proposed Mabushi-Katampe road corridor, which has been taken over by scavengers.
Accompanied by a team of security personnel and senior officials of the FCT Administration, the Minister called on the Department of Development Control to immediately clear the area. The Minister emphasized the reasons for this action, stating, “This place is where people commit crimes and come to hide. The Department of Development Control should clear this area immediately so that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) can carry out the necessary measures.”
Wike further stressed the need to prioritize safety and security, stating, “There is nothing like compensation. Development Control must clear this area immediately so that these criminals won’t have a place to hide. These locations are where crimes are committed, and the perpetrators seek refuge. We must take action to address this issue, ensuring that the residents in this area can live without fear.”
The Coordinator of the Federal Capital Territory City Management Task Team, Mukhtar Galadima, supported the Minister’s directive, referring to the exercise as the “mother of all clean-ups.” He stated that the illegal activities in the area would be cleared in accordance with the Minister’s orders.
Gladima, who also serves as the Director of the Department of Development Control, shed light on the significance of the proposed road corridor, saying, “In the master plan of Abuja, there is provision for different hierarchy of road networks. This area is a proposed transit road network that traverses the entire city, connecting different districts.”
He further emphasized, “With the ongoing security challenges in the country, illegal activities like this will not be tolerated. The area will not be allowed to stand.”
Highlighting the national significance of security, Gladima underlined that the focus is on securing the area and not compensating people involved in illegal activities. Once the clearing is complete, the FCDA will take immediate action, ensuring that the area is no longer occupied illegally. He added, “This exercise is extensive, as it involves demolition, evacuation, and general clean up.”
With this tough stance against crime hideouts, the FCT Minister is sending a clear message that criminal activities will not be tolerated, and steps will be taken to ensure the safety and security of all residents. The swift action being taken to clear these areas will not only deter criminals but also provide peace of mind to the law-abiding citizens of the Federal Capital Territory.
