Following a strict directive from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, for the immediate clearance of invaders of the proposed transitway corridor along Abuja’s Mabushi and Katampe Districts, security operatives and relevant FCT city managers began a massive clearance exercise in the area on Tuesday.

Scavengers, also known as ‘Baban Bolas,’ mechanics, and furniture manufacturers were among those most affected by the operation, which was dubbed “the mother of all enforcement exercises” since it encompassed the demolition, clearing, and evacuation of enormous cashew plantations and shanties.

During a visit to the site, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike described the place as an eyesore and said the area seems like the kind of place where people commit crimes and run into to take refuge.

According to him: “We will do anything possible we can to see we reduce the level of crime, and we will not allow these people to continue, because this is an eyesore, so make sure you clear this immediately.

“It is most unfortunate what we are seeing, so there is no notice as you must chase them out now, and clear the entire place.”

Fielding questions from newsmen, Coordinator of FCT City Management Joint Task Team, TPL Mukhtar Galadima, said the hitherto encroached area, consists of a proposed dual mode of transportation- the bus and tramo line, transversing the city across almost all the Districts.

Galadima decried that a large portion of the road network stretch becomes a scavengers’ colony between Mabushi and Katampe Districts of the Territory.

His words: “Looking at the situation now, due to the security challenges all over the country, this present use of the area is not conducive.

“In the masterplan of Abuja there is the provision of the different hierarchy of road networks, and this part area, it consists of a proposed dual mode of transportation- the bus and tram line, which transverses the city across almost all the Districts. It transverses from the entire city- starting from Area 1 through Garki Hospital, Social Development Secretariat, behind Ministry of Defense down to Durumi.”

Speaking on whether there would be compensation for economic trees, Galadima said “This is a national issue of importance, which has to do with security, which is everybody’s business, that is why we are not giving consideration for the issue of compensation. And first and foremost let’s secure the land and the people. This is why we are moving in at the right time.

“The Hon. Minister of FCT said immediately after our clearance, the FCDA should come in and ensure that the road corridor is kept cleared to become a temporary access road so that nobody will come and settle here again.

“So, this is the mother of all exercises as it involves demolition, clearance, and evacuation.” (Daily Independent)

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