A bulldozer demolishing homes in Lugbe, Abuja, amidst dust clouds and scattered debris.

 

Nyesom Wike

In the heart of Abuja, a wave of demolitions has reshaped the Sabon Lugbe area, sparking both confusion and frustration among residents. These demolitions, led by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Director Mukhtar Galadima, razed nearly 50 buildings, leaving hundreds of families abruptly homeless. The official stance? The structures were “illegal,” lacking permits or approvals under Abuja’s urban development laws. However, the timing and swift land reallocation to Radcom Nigeria Limited have raised eyebrows, with critics suggesting that politics and favoritism may be at play.


Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the demolitions as part of a broader effort to control land misuse and protect Abuja’s urban planning. He labeled developers without approved documents as “land grabbers,” asserting that illegal structures pose a long-term risk to the capital’s growth. But for those displaced, the demolition felt less like justice and more like a heavy-handed display of power. Shocked residents claim the demolitions came without sufficient notice, intensifying their frustrations.

The story took a twist when documents surfaced showing new land allocations handed to Radcom Nigeria Limited right after the dust had settled. Registered in 1995, Radcom received formal land grants in the same Lugbe zone where people were just evicted. Many see this as questionable timing, sparking accusations that the process served hidden interests rather than public good. For families who watched their homes fall, the sudden reallocation feels like a slap in the face one that underscores the power imbalance in Abuja’s real estate world.

Amidst this, Wike’s actions have fueled debate about government priorities, fairness in land distribution, and the human cost of rapid urban development. Is this demolition wave a necessary purge of illegal settlements or a method to clear prime real estate for well-connected entities? For residents of Sabon Lugbe, it’s about more than buildings; it’s about their livelihoods, security, and a sense of belonging.


This unfolding narrative leaves room for critical discussion on the need for transparency, balanced development policies, and the ethical implications of reallocating land right after evictions.



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