By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike in company of heads of security agencies in the territory stormed the site of recently demolished Ruga settlement situated off Wuye district.
The Minister and his team drove through the bumpy dusty pathway to the shanty late Sunday evening for nearly 1 km to address the affected settlers who are still found to be loitering around the area since the shanty was demolished on Friday.
While addressing the people, Wike categorically told them that he can never be deter by any forms of intimidation or blackmail in ensuring that the city are sanitized.
He later announced the setting up of a seven man committee of security agencies, Director of Lands and Director, Development Control to engage in further discussion with five man delegation of the affected Ruga settlers so that necessary recommendations could be made for government’s attention.
The Minister warned that pending the recommendations from the committee, no building should be re erected, either permanent or temporary.
After addressing the Ruga dwellers in pidgin English, Wike spoke with journalists that went with him:
“This is government land and the issue of grabbing land as alleged does not arise.
“We want them to bring five of their leaders to meet with the committee on Tuesday. But we will not fold our hands and allow this here.
“Government has decided that we will look into the matter and come out with a final decision. No amount of blackmail, intimidation and abuses will deter us, we must do our job, it doesn’t matter who you hire, you call them civil society or who ever they are. Our interest is to protect the lives and property and to save guard Abuja to be one of the best cities in the world.”
It would be that a civil society had on Saturday mobilised the settlers to demonstrate against the demolition of the shanty to the extent of calling for the removal of the Minister.
Wike also assured that all other shanties that constitute security threats in the FCT will be demolished.
Earlier, leader of the dwellers, Abba Garo appealed to the minister to consider their plight and do something for them.
Garo told the minister that the last demolition on Friday was the 22nd time the community has been demolished.
He said that they are about 10,000 dwellers in the shanty community. He said he has been there for 37 years and that they are not claiming the land.
He said they have been giving way each time developments like the National Stadium catches up with them, so also the rail way.
“Please help give us shelter where we can stay, the Ruga community leader begged Wike.