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Protests Rock Abuja’s Zhidu Community Over Ongoing Demolitions

Naija247news 2024/12/10

Tension erupted in the Zhidu community of Abuja as hundreds of residents took to the streets in protest against ongoing demolitions in the area. Naija247news gathered that the demonstrators blocked the community’s entrance, wielding placards and chanting slogans, calling for an immediate end to the demolitions.

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The Chairman of the Zhidu Residents Association, Apostle Prosper E. Eromosele, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the crisis. In a statement issued on Friday, November 29, Eromosele accused the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and its partner, Nugabest Regis, of orchestrating the destruction of over 1,500 inhabited structures, which has displaced more than 25,000 families, rendering them internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Naija247news understands that Eromosele highlighted the involvement of FHA staff in the demolitions despite a court order instructing all parties to maintain the status quo. He pointed to a ruling from the FCT High Court, which had adjourned the matter to February 24, 2025, yet explicitly prohibited further action until the case’s determination.

“Despite the court order, the CEO of Regis, Alhaji Turaki Hassan Adamu, led a team to the community to carry out these unlawful demolitions,” Eromosele alleged. According to Naija247news, Eromosele claimed that hired thugs, armed with various weapons, accompanied the demolition team, supported by a significant police presence.

He further alleged that Alhaji Adamu boasted about his influence, stating that he could seize any land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while dismissing the authority of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Naija247news gathered that Eromosele reiterated the community’s demand for compensation from the FHA, as promised during previous enumeration and data-capturing exercises.

Meanwhile, Naija247news reported that the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified efforts to enforce laws against illegal structures. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, revealed that the demolition of approximately 50 illegally constructed duplexes and bungalows had commenced.

Galadima cautioned land grabbers against deceiving potential buyers and urged individuals to verify the authenticity of land documents with the appropriate authorities before making any purchases.

The ongoing crisis in Zhidu underscores the growing tension between urban development efforts and the rights of displaced residents, as calls for accountability and compensation continue to mount.

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