Residents of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road in Abuja, staged a protest on Friday in response to the recent demolitions ordered by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The protest follows the destruction of homes and property as part of the minister’s “Operation Sweep” initiative, a campaign aimed at removing what he describes as “nuisances and criminal hotspots” within Abuja. However, residents argue that the demolition was abrupt and left them without alternatives or sufficient notice.
The Ruga community, which comprises families displaced by violence and insecurity in northern states, expressed frustration at the lack of consultation and support. Leading the protest, lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, alongside community advocate Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMark, condemned the exercise as excessive and harmful.
Adeyanju alleged that officials went beyond standard demolition practices by setting homes on fire, resulting in property losses amounting to millions of naira. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, citing the additional hardship faced by residents who had already been displaced from their original homes in states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
“This demolition is unjustified,” Adeyanju said, urging the president to “view the situation from the perspective of these displaced residents who sought safety and opportunity in Abuja but now face new challenges.”
Adeyanju emphasized that many Ruga residents are artisans and tradespeople who have endured hardship to rebuild their lives. “These demolitions go too far,” he added, calling on the president to halt actions that marginalize vulnerable groups.
The activist also accused Minister Wike of prioritizing the interests of the wealthy by reallocating lands to affluent individuals, suggesting, “There is no public interest here; these areas are far from main roads and pose no threat. The minister’s actions seem to favor the rich over the poor.”
Community advocate Otse echoed the criticism, describing the demolitions as an “unnecessary blow” to already vulnerable residents. “This situation is unprecedented,” he said, noting that the affected areas were distant from major routes and posed no immediate concern. “Now, hundreds are homeless, and Nigeria’s economic challenges only compound their struggle.”
Otse accused the authorities of disregarding the needs of the poor, stating, “It is disheartening that the elite view the poor as expendable. Everyone deserves a place to live and a community.”
As the protest continued, residents and activists renewed calls for a compassionate approach from the FCT administration. They expressed hope that government intervention might bring an end to the demolitions and establish policies that address the needs of all Abuja residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
