Efforts to tackle the growing prevalence of shanties and slums in the Federal Capital Territory face significant hurdles as residents of a prominent Ruga settlement near the Abuja City Gate determined to stay until they are properly resettled by the government.
The community, which has been demolished more than 20 times, continues to be a magnet for illegal settlers who persistently return after each demolition.
The Secretary of the community, Ibrahim Yusuf, expressed frustration over the ongoing destruction of their homes.
He attributed the rapid rise of slums to the exorbitant cost of living in Abuja, particularly the steep housing prices that make relocation unaffordable for many.
“We’ve been here for more than 20 years, and they’ve demolished our homes more than 20 times, yet we are still here,” Yusuf remarked. “We contribute to the socio-economic growth of Abuja, but no one seems to acknowledge that. What the government keeps telling us is that we’re living in an illegal area and should leave, but where are we supposed to go? We cannot afford other places, and the high cost of transportation to satellite towns would make it impossible to sustain.”
Yusuf emphasized that while the residents are willing to vacate the immediate area, they are not prepared to leave Abuja altogether.
“We are not asking for much; we are simply requesting that the government consider developing affordable housing for us or relocate us within the city,” he pleaded. “We are ready to accept any reasonable condition that will allow us to remain in Abuja, but we need a permanent solution.”
He further highlighted the vital role the community plays in the city’s development, noting that many of the workers who build and maintain the city’s infrastructure come from settlements like Ruga.
“Many of us work as laborers in the construction of Abuja’s buildings, but despite our contributions, we are often ignored,” he said.
The FCT Administration, on the other hand, is keen on addressing the growing security concerns and urban planning issues stemming from unregulated settlements.
The Director of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, who led a joint task force to the settlement, emphasized that the operation was part of the government’s broader initiative to eliminate illegal structures and reduce criminal activities.
“We are here to remove these illegal structures because they harbor criminal elements and unauthorized individuals. These settlements are close to the rail corridors, which are vital for the safety and security of passengers using the Metro line,” he explained.
Gwary noted that the FCT Administration had established a special task force, “Operation Sweep,” to deal with such unregulated settlements across the city. “This operation is not just about demolishing shanties; it is about creating a safer, more organized environment for everyone in Abuja,” he said.
He added that the security of the rail corridor was a top priority, especially after incidents of vandalism on the tracks.
In response to concerns about the displaced residents potentially returning to the area, Gwary stressed that landowners would be held accountable.
“The FCT Minister has made it clear that landowners must develop their plots or face the revocation of their land titles. Many landowners have complained that they cannot access their plots because of these illegal structures, and we have taken action to support them in reclaiming their properties,” he said.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, who represented Gwary during the operation, reinforced this message, stating that the task force’s efforts would help restore order and security in the area.
“This operation is designed to address the dual challenges of illegal settlements and criminal activities. We are helping the legitimate landowners regain control of their plots, and we urge them to begin developing their land immediately,” Olumuji added.
As the struggle between urban planning and the needs of the displaced community continues, both sides agree on the importance of a sustainable solution, though the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
The residents, while eager for a resolution, stand firm in their demand for resettlement within the Federal Capital Territory, not outside it.
