Mass demolitions have rendered thousand of Abuja residents homeless. Activists warn that such actions were pushing vulnerable communities into insecurity and poverty.
Over 15,000 residents in Abuja have so far been displaced due to ongoing demolitions by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration. The mass demolition is targeting low-income communities, leaving thousands homeless. The affected areas include Ruga, Medialord.ng gathered.
On Friday, community leaders and some activists demonstrated against the demolitions. The protesters, led by social media influencer Martin Vincent Otse (VeryDarkman) and Barrister Deji Adeyanju, stationed near the Abuja city gate. They condemned the demolition, displayed placards that read, “Stop Demolition” and “Wike Must Go.”
Adeyanju described the mass demolition as a “brazen” and “unrelenting” seizure of land. He warned that such actions were pushing vulnerable communities into insecurity and poverty. The protestors also complained about the lack of affordable housing in Abuja, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
Residents accuse government of favouring the rich
Ruga residents, some of whom have lived in the area for nearly four decades, expressed their outrage. “Stop demolishing poor people’s houses to give to your friends,” one placard read. The protestors claim the government is favoring wealthy interests over the needs of the poor.
Barrister Adeyanju stressed that the demolitions were not being carried out in areas of public interest. He argued that the land was not near main roads or critical infrastructure. Adeyanju called for the government to acquire land in affluent areas instead of displacing poor communities. He also urged the president to ensure the rights of the poor are protected.
Activists warn of consequences of mass demolitions
The protest highlighted the growing tension between the government’s development agenda and the needs of vulnerable citizens. VeryDarkman emphasized the severe economic hardship caused by the demolitions. He warned that evicting residents without providing alternative housing could lead to social unrest.
“People are already struggling with inflation, a soaring dollar, and unemployment,” he said. “Displacing them without creating alternative shelter is cruel and will only make things worse.” He warned that increased desperation could lead to rising crime rates, including theft, terrorism, and violence.
Call for affordable housing and social stability
Activists argue that the FCT administration should prioritize affordable housing before conducting mass demolitions. They say the government must focus on creating proper housing for low-income communities instead of displacing them. Adeyanju added that if the demolitions continued, it would only fuel social and economic instability.
“The consequences of these demolitions will be dire,” VeryDarkman warned. “Increased insecurity and poverty will be the result if the government does not rethink its approach.” Protestors urged Minister Nyesom Wike to consider the impact of these actions on displaced families and their children.
As the mass demolitions continue, observers wondered if President Bola Tinubu will intervene. Adeyanju called on the president to step in and persuade the FCT Minister to halt the demolitions. “These people are being harassed regularly,” he said. “This needs to stop before it creates further problems in Abuja.”
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