Over 4,000 residents of Gishiri Village in Katampe District, Cadastral Zone B07, Abuja, have urged the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, to intervene in the imminent demolition of their houses.
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The appeal followed a notice of demolition, dated September 25, 2020, issued by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMAC) and marked for demolition by the Department of Development Control, an agency of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
A statement by their lawyer, Tom Alphonus, representing occupiers and owners of structures within Gishiri village, urged the minister to use his good office to intervene against the proposed demolition on behalf of the families.
He noted that Gishiri village has served as home to over 4,000 law-abiding Nigerian families who coexisted peacefully for years.
The lawyer said the families now live in fear due to the current demolition threat.
“We passionately appeal to your good office for intervention against the impending demolition and forward the following sincere concerns for your consideration.
“Gishiri village is recognised and accepted by the government of Nigeria and government of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a settlement for a vast population of law-abiding citizens of Nigeria.
“The government has helped provide sustainable services, like electricity, pipe borne water, a police station, a primary health centre, a primary school and, most recently, a public convenience for use by the people.
“The period of 21 days indicated in the notice of demolition is, in our view, unlawful, unconscionable, immoral, inconsiderate and highly unrealistic, if not impossible, for over 4,000 Nigerian families with no form of compensation or other alternative accommodation to vacate the area.
“Hence, we implore your good office, on behalf of these families, to intervene against the proposed demolition.
“While we are aware of the overriding powers of the relevant authorities under the law over lands, such as the one in issue, we appeal to the government and all persons in positions of authority to observe and follow due process of the law.”
Chairman of Gishiri/Kasanblanka axis of the village, Mr. Ayodele Ariyo, who spoke on behalf of the residents, called for understanding from government.
He said the residents needed more time to move their belongings.
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