Tension in Abuja as military officers clash with FCT Minister Wike, over disputed piece of land
Tension in Abuja as Soldiers clash with FCT Minister Wike, over disputed piece of land
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday visited Plot 1946 in Gaduwa District, Abuja, after reports that soldiers had taken control of the disputed land, allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).
During the unscheduled visit, Wike expressed outrage that officials from the FCT Department of Development Control were chased away by armed soldiers while attempting to enforce a stop-work order earlier issued by his office. The soldiers reportedly blocked entry to the plot with a truck and physically prevented the minister from accessing the site.
“You are aware that the land departments and Development Control have been mandated to monitor illegal developments and land grabbing in the FCT. When this matter was brought to my attention, I directed that nothing should take place on that plot since there were no legal documents or urban regional approvals. Unfortunately, I was informed that soldiers chased our officials away,” Wike said.
The minister said he was surprised that the soldiers, allegedly acting on the former Naval Chief’s instructions, had occupied the property. “I don’t understand how someone who once occupied such a high office cannot come to the FCT Minister to explain his situation but instead uses soldiers to intimidate people. I am not one of those who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” he added.
According to Wike, development control officials requested the necessary land documents and building approvals, but none were produced. “How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who do not have the military or security forces to protect them?” he questioned.
Condemning the use of security operatives to frustrate legitimate government enforcement actions, Wike stressed that such behavior would not be tolerated under his watch. He disclosed that he had spoken with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, who assured him that the matter would be resolved amicably.
“We are not here for confrontation or to cause chaos, but I will not allow illegality to thrive. The same way we enforce the law in other parts of Abuja is the same way we will do here. No one, not even a former Chief of Naval Staff, is above the law,” Wike declared.
In recent months, the FCT Administration has intensified efforts to curb land racketeering and illegal developments, demolishing several high-profile properties for noncompliance with planning regulations.
