A scavengers’ colony along the road that runs through the Mabushi, Jahi, and Kado Districts has been ordered to be demolished by Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Mabushi District of the FCT territory, formally known as “Road N12,” had been taken over by scavengers known as “Baban Bola,” including mechanics and furniture manufacturers.
On Tuesday, when Mr. Wike was in the city, he issued the directive in Abuja. He called the colony in Mabushi District, which is behind the Minister’s Quarters, a “threat” to the city’s security. A delegation made up of senior FCT Administration officials and security personnel accompanied the minister.
Mr. Wike said that more will be done to purge the city of criminal groups. He said that the FCT will not permit such criminal hideouts. He added that the colony was stimulated by the dense cashew tree canopy that the FCT’s indigenous population had planted there for investment interests.
Mr. Wike issued a warning against growing these trees in areas designated by the government for development. He claimed that no compensation would be given for these trees by the government. The minister instructed the Federal Capital Development Authority and the Development Control Department to clear the entire area and take a scope of the route for first work.
He emphasized that there had been no prior notification of this action and gave the order to promptly chase away all offenders and empty the entire area. The minister gave the FCT’s citizens reassurance that every effort would be made to lower crime rates.